Symptoms & signs of back injury

What are the symptoms & signs of a back injury?

Acute back pain comes on suddenly, sometimes the direct result of a fall or injury. Symptoms range from a dull ache to pain when standing up straight, although each person may experience symptoms differently;

• pain or tenderness (sore to touch)
• a stabbing or shooting pain that radiates from the back down into the legs
• pain that worsens with movement such as sneezing and coughing
• an inability to stand up straight without feeling pain
• a decreased range of motion, stiffness, difficulty bending
• bruising, swelling
• muscle spasm whereby muscles seize up

The complex structure of your back means that even a small amount of damage to any part of this area can cause huge amounts of pain and discomfort. Muscle strain and sprain are examples of such but can often be remedied with over the counter medication and rest.

Any of the following symptoms could indicate a chronic back injury;

• difficulty breathing, shortness of breath
• numbness to the arms, legs, hands or feet
• inflammation or swelling on the back
• unusual feeling of weakness
• pain that awakens you at night
• unexplained weight loss

Pain that lasts for longer than three months is a ‘red flag’ and potentially more serious. Pain that lasts this long is considered to be chronic and medical advice should be sought. Other warning signs include loss of bowel and bladder control, pain when urinating and fever. Symptoms will tend to follow an irregular course such as reasonably long periods of moderate pain interrupted by bouts of severe pain.

Identifying the symptoms and getting a correct diagnosis is the first step towards obtaining effective pain relief.

If you have been affected by an accident in work that has resulted in you suffering with a back injury then please call our experienced solicitors for a friendly no obligation chat on 0800 028 2060.

Contact us today for free, no obligation advice regarding your Back Injury claim – either by calling us free on 0800 028 2060, or by requesting a free call back, whereby one of our team will contact you at a time of your choice, to discuss your situation.

We’re here to help – contact us today.