How Long does a Back Injury Take to Heal?

Minor back pain is a reality for many people throughout their lives. Back injuries can happen because of overuse, work-related tasks, car accidents, and much more. After a back injury, you might wonder how long it will take for the pain to subside and your injury to heal.

Healing Time for a Back Injury

Back injuries can range from minor sprains to severe injuries, such as spinal cord damage. Let’s look at the typical healing timeline for different types of back injuries.

Muscle Pull, Strains, and Sprains

Minor back muscle pulls, strains, or sprains often heal within a few weeks. If there are muscle tears, the patient might need surgery and require a few months for healing.

Minor back pain often needs lots of rest. Your doctor might recommend hot or cold therapy and over-the-counter pain relievers. Go back to your doctor if the pain worsens or doesn’t get better with time.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are some of the most severe. They often result from trauma like a car accident. As the accident happens, the discs in your spine can slip or become thrown out of alignment. This can cause damage to your spinal cord.

According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of a spinal cord injury include:

• Movement loss
• Loss of bladder or bowel function
• Loss of ability to feel certain sensations, such as hot or cold
• Sexual function issues
• Spasms
• Stinging or pain from nerve damage
• Trouble breathing or coughing

Spinal cord injuries can lead to complete or partial paralysis. The severity of the injury will impact the healing time. Treatment is often critical for a spinal cord injury, and waiting too long to see a doctor can impact recovery.

The healing for most spinal injuries begins a week to six months after the injury. In some cases, full recovery is not possible. You’ll usually see the most improvement within the first six months. However, most people still notice slight healing up to one or two years later.

If someone does not get physical functions back within the first year after the injury, they are unlikely to return.

What to Do After a Back Injury

Treatment is crucial after a back injury happens. After any back pain or damage, your well-being is number one. See a doctor as soon as possible.

If you suffered back injuries from an accident, you have legal rights. It’s essential to document your injuries as fully as possible after the injury occurs. Here are some ways to do that:

• Call 9-1-1 for emergency medical attention if you need it.
• Report the accident to the police or the property owner, depending on how and where you were injured.
• Take pictures of the accident scene, if you’re well enough to do so. If not, have a loved one or lawyer get evidence from the scene.
• Talk to any eyewitnesses to your accident. Ask for their names and contact information.
• Save all medical bills, receipts, and other documents showing your injury costs.
• Get copies of medical records and the accident report.
• Call an Atlanta personal injury lawyer who can help you with all of the above.

Do not wait to see a doctor if you didn’t get treatment at the scene. Getting medical attention is vital because:

• Back injuries often need prompt attention, and they can worsen quickly without it.
• You will need to understand the full extent of your injuries and future treatment needs.

At John Foy & Associates, we’ve been helping accident victims for over 20 years. Our team knows how to build strong cases and fight for the compensation you deserve. To learn more during a FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.

Common Treatments for Back Injuries

Most back pain comes from minor injuries. If you have a minor back injury, it could heal in as little as one to four weeks. A doctor might prescribe treatments like:

• Avoiding activities that worsen pain or require heavy lifting
• Rest combined with regular activities that don’t worsen pain
• Physical therapy or physiotherapy
• Over-the-counter or prescription medications
• Surgery, in some cases

Severe back injuries can take much longer to heal. Some never completely heal and require long-term assistance. The details will depend on how your injury happened, the type of back injury, and your overall health.

Some back pain can also show up later on. For example, you might not notice a back injury right after an accident. It could take time to realize that you are experiencing more pain or discomfort.

If your back injury happens after an accident, call your doctor immediately. It’s also best to speak with a personal injury lawyer who can let you know your rights. You might deserve financial compensation for a back injury caused by an accident.

Getting Compensation for a Back Injury While You Heal

After an accident, it’s usually best to wait until your injuries heal before seeking compensation. However, back injuries can take time—and you have limited time for a personal injury claim. The statute of limitations in Georgia is two years, according to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §9-3-33.

Contact a lawyer who can help you stay on track and document your injuries. If you need long-term care, you’ll need to account for the costs. The person who caused your accident might be responsible for your damages.

Talk to a Back Injury Lawyer for Free Today

Back injuries are complicated and often debilitating. If you suffered a back injury after an accident, you have legal rights. John Foy & Associates can help you seek financial recovery for your damages.

We have been helping accident victims for over 20 years. Our team has grown from a small law office to one of Georgia’s largest personal injury firms. With a reputation as the “Strong Arm,” we are not afraid to stand up for your rights.

Contact us today at (404) 400-4000 for a FREE consultation. You can also fill out our online contact form. There is no fee unless we win your case.