The Importance of Seeking Medical Treatment if You Notice Complications of Spinal Injury

Some may mistake compression fractures for back pain and don’t think anything else of it. However, if fractures are not treated, a slew of clinical complications can follow, causing great pain and eventual disability.

This is why it’s crucial to seek medical treatment at the first indication of complications of spinal injury. In fact, if you’ve been in any sort of accident at work, you’ll want to get a thorough medical examination, even if you think your symptoms are minor. You’ll be protecting your health, as well as keeping your legal bases covered should you decide to file a claim.

The Dangers of Undiagnosed Vertebrae Fractures

Undiagnosed compression fractures can lead to serious long-term complications, one of which is kyphosis, or curvature of the spine. It causes deformity, can compress organs and leads to a host of health problems.

Other complications of undiagnosed compression fractures include:

• chronic pain;
• reduced physical function;
• impaired lung function;
• decreased ability to perform daily activities (work, play); and
• depression, anxiety, and decreased enjoyment in life.

If vertebral fractures are left untreated, the painful symptoms will increase over time, eventually causing the person to become disabled. If you have a fractured spine, treatment is essential. It can take persistence on the patient’s part, though. In many cases, compression fractures are hairline and they may not initially show up on X-rays.

If you’ve been injured on the job and suspect a compression fracture, seek medical attention immediately. Also, consult a lawyer about how to best move forward with a workers’ compensation claim.

Contacting a Work Injury Lawyer

Not all worker injury cases are clear-cut. They can get pretty tricky, especially in cases with delayed treatments or difficult to diagnose conditions. If this is the case with you, contact the attorneys at Walker, Billingsley & Bair. Call us at (641) 792-3595 for a free, no-obligation consultation, and let us see how we may be able to assist you with your claim.