Massachusetts Personal Injury Library
What are Compression Fractures?
Compression fractures, sometimes referred to as “Vertebral Compression Fractures”, are a type of spinal cord injury that occurs when two or more vertebrae become pushed together (compressed) and are broken as the result of a trauma. Compression fractures are the most common type of fractures that affect the spinal cord.
It takes a large amount of trauma to break your vertebrae so compression fractures most commonly result from serious accidents such as car accidents and falls from high places (common in construction accidents). Compression fractures are also common in people with weakened bones due to osteoporosis or certain types of cancer.
Symptoms of a Compression Fracture
As with other types of spinal cord injuries, the symptoms of a compression fracture when caused by trauma will be severely felt directly after an accident. Symptoms of a vertebral compression fracture include:
- Severe back pain that extends into the legs
- Hip, abdominal, or thigh pain
- A loss of control over urination or stool (or difficulty urinating)
- If bone fragments dislodge during the trauma, victims may experience paralyzed muscles and impaired sensations in areas connected to the damaged nerve tissue
It’s imperative to get immediate medical attention after a serious accident, especially if you hit your head or experience severe back or neck pain in the process.
Treatment for Compression Fractures
The treatment of your compression fracture will depend on the extent and location of your injury and should only be prescribed by a doctor familiar with your case. Treatment options will vary, but may include:
- Surgical and non-surgical options
- Rehabilitation
- Stretching and strengthening programs
- Medications, including anti-inflammatory and pain medications
- Ice and/or heat regimes
If you have been injured in a car crash or other accident and suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence, you should consider consulting with a personal injury attorney who can help you determine if you should take legal action.
Contacting a Massachusetts Personal Injury Attorney
A serious spinal cord injury can completely change your life. If you have sustained a compression fracture or other spinal cord injury through someone else’s negligence in Boston or Andover you should contact a Massachusetts personal injury attorney to learn about your rights and determine liability. When you are interviewing Massachusetts personal injury attorneys ask critical questions, like: how long have you been practicing; what is the largest settlement or verdict you’ve obtained, and do you have experience with spinal injury cases?
Kiley Law Group, a law firm based in Andover, Massachusetts, takes time when speaking with you about your case and works with you on a contingent fee basis so there are NO FEES unless our trained personal injury lawyers wins your case. Call now for a FREE evaluation of your case – 1-888-208-1695.
