Spine Injuries Q & A
What are common spine injuries?
Back and neck pain is a common pain complaint. In most cases, back or neck pain develops after an acute injury. Common spine injuries that may cause back or neck pain include:
- Herniated discs
- Vertebral fractures
- Sprains and strains
- Tendon injuries
Spine injuries may happen at home, at work, or when engaging in physical activity. People may injure their spine after a bad fall, auto accident, direct blow to the spine, heavy lifting, or excessive twisting.
Most acute spine injuries cause acute back or neck pain that lasts a few days or a few weeks. However, in some people, acute spine pain may turn into chronic pain, which is pain that lasts three or more months.
How are spine injuries diagnosed?
Dr. Klassen is an experienced orthopedic physician with extensive training in diagnosing and treating orthopedic injuries. He uses several tools to diagnose spine injuries.
During a spine injury consultation, he asks detailed questions about the injury, including how it happened and the initial symptoms and treatments. Dr. Klassen conducts a physical exam and may request diagnostic testing to confirm or rule out a diagnosis.
For legal cases, he also conducts extensive medical record reviews to evaluate medical history and previous treatments.
How are spine injuries treated?
Treatment for spine injuries depends on the diagnosis, severity of symptoms, and overall health. Dr. Klassen takes a restorative approach to care and utilizes treatments and therapies that help his patients get back to their active lifestyles without pain.
Though a skilled orthopedic surgeon, he may first recommend non-surgical treatments for spine injuries, such as:
- Activity modification
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Pain medication
- Physical therapy
- Bracing
- Injections
When non-surgical treatments fail to improve a spine injury or provide adequate pain relief, Dr. Klassen may recommend surgical intervention. The type of spine surgery may depend on the injury.
When possible, Dr. Klassen recommends minimally invasive procedures to keep incisions small, limit postoperative pain, and ensure a faster recovery.
Unfortunately, even after spine surgery, some patients continue to have pain that affects daily life and may benefit from implant devices to control the ongoing discomfort.
Whether from a motor vehicle accident, sports activity, or industrial incident, Dr. Klassen provides expert legal opinions on causation, impairment, and medical care and treatment.
To schedule a legal consultation, call the office of Michael Klassen, MD, FAAOS today.