Back injuries are some of the most unpleasant injuries you can suffer.

These injuries can go from a sudden pain to a long-term problem. They can cause agonising pain and an inability to work. Occasionally you might not even be able to get out of bed when you’ve suffered a back injury.

This can then cause significant negative effects on your quality of life.

Back pain vs back injury

Back pain is one of the most common reasons for people to visit their doctors. But not everyone who sees their GP has suffered a specific injury that has caused their pain.

According to the NHS, back pain is generally not serious and will get better on its own. The organisation said that most back pain has no specific cause or is caused by pain in the joints, bones or soft tissues in and around the spine.

These forms of pain often start for no apparent reason, but can also be caused by the wrong posture or lifting something awkwardly.

Common causes

Back injuries can happen at any time and to anyone. But a lot of people who suffer them do so at work.

Manual lifting and carrying can be dangerous – particularly when you haven’t had the right training. This kind of activity is common in certain industries – from construction to retail – meaning that some people are more at risk of these injuries.

Car accidents are another common cause of back injuries. The force of the impact of two vehicles coming together can have a huge effect on your back. But this kind of injury could also be suffered if you’re hit by a vehicle as a cyclist or pedestrian – more vulnerable road users.

In both of these cases, you could hold someone liable for your injury. In the former case, your employer could be held responsible for not providing the right training or equipment for proper lifting.

Meanwhile, in the latter case, the driver responsible for your accident can also be held responsible for the injury you suffered in it.

If you have suffered a back injury that was caused by someone else, you could be able to pursue legal action.

Preventing back injuries

It can be difficult to entirely prevent back injuries – particularly when many of them have no obvious source of origin. But there are some things you can do to give yourself the best chance of avoiding them.

Staying active is one of the most important things you can do to reduce your risk of a back injury. It can keep your back strong and maintaining your fitness can mean you face a lower risk of injuring yourself when engaging in certain physical activities.

Using the right technique when lifting and carrying is another significant way you can avoid hurting your back. Follow your company’s guidance on safe lifting, if applicable. If your employer hasn’t provided any, you can question this and request that training is provided. They are responsible for your health in the workplace, so they are required to take it seriously.

Image copyright: George Rudy