Oklahoma City Neck Injury Lawyers

If you or someone you care about has suffered a neck or back injury in an accident caused by the reckless or negligent actions of another, you have the right to hold the at-fault party accountable for what they've done. By pursuing financial compensation, you can ensure that you will receive the best possible treatment while trying to get your life together after your accident. If you believe legal action may be the best decision for you, knowledgeable Oklahoma neck and back injury attorney Ray Maples can help. Contact for a free, confidential case evaluation at (405) 883-4487.

The back and neck are two of the most intricate systems in the human body. They contain the spinal cord, a bundle of nerve fibers that transmits messages from the brain to every body system. Injuries to the spinal cord impair the brain's ability to "run" the body effectively, which can lead to serious problems.

Even with the protection of the spinal column, which consists of 31 bones called vertebrae, damage to the vertebrae, the ligaments and discs connecting them, or the muscles or tendons that interact to move the spine can cause serious pain, injury, and result in lifelong impairments. Such a devastating change in the course of a person's life can create undue financial, emotional and physical hardships.

What Are Common Causes of Back and Neck Injuries?

Back and neck injuries can result from almost any accident and many of these incidents are caused by the negligence or recklessness of others. Some common types of accidents that may result in serious back and/or neck injuries include:

• Car accidents. Car crashes often cause whiplash, which damages the muscles, ligaments, nerves, and soft tissues of the neck and upper back. Whiplash symptoms may linger for months or years and include headache, dizziness, and reduced mobility.
• Falls. A fall of any kind can cause back and neck strains, broken vertebrae, and even spinal cord injuries.
• Work injuries. Back and neck strain can occur easily in jobs that require repetitive lifting, twisting, or bending motions, especially if you often pick up heavy objects. Over time, these injuries can cause permanent damage and disability, especially if your workplace does not provide equipment to help you do your job more safely.
• Bicycle and pedestrian accidents. Any type of incident that results in a hard blow or fall might hurt the back or neck. Bicyclists and pedestrians can easily suffer back or neck injuries in a crash, as can anyone playing sports.
• Diving accidents. Diving headfirst into shallow water or water of unknown depth is a common cause of neck and back injuries.

Treating Neck and Back Injuries

Because the back and neck are such complex systems, relatively little is known about them. As a result, it can be difficult to find effective treatments for back or neck pain. Common treatments for mild to moderate post-accident pain include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and/or muscle relaxants to relieve pain, as well as physical therapy and rest. For chronic back pain, visits to a pain specialist may be required to manage symptoms.

For serious injuries, surgery may be required. Surgeries may be used to release a pinched or trapped nerve, alleviating pain. They may also be used to fix broken or displaced vertebrae, allowing the spinal column to heal. Unfortunately, even after surgery, many back and neck injury patients continue to experience residual symptoms. In severe cases, these symptoms may prevent a person from working at all.