Part I of III: Spinal Soft Tissue Injuries – The Basics

This is part I in a three part series that will address spinal soft tissue injuries from a personal injury perspective.  In this edition, we will cover the basics of what soft tissue injuries are and how to differentiate between a sprain and a strain.  Part II will be in the October issue and will cover the symptoms and treatment of spinal soft tissue injury.  Part III will be in the November issue and will focus on points to consider during the evaluation of these claims. 

The purpose of this newsletter is to assist attorneys in understanding the challenges that these types of injuries may present and in identifying potential arguments that may be presented during negotiations.

Soft tissue injuries are present in 80-85% of personal injury cases, particularly auto and commercial claims.   As such, a lot of time is dedicated to understanding, evaluating and negotiating these injury claims on both the plaintiff and the defense side.  It is important to understand the arguments that will be made on both sides in order to achieve a successful negotiation.

Soft tissue injury – what is it?  

Soft tissue injuries include any injury to the soft tissue structures of the body: the muscles, tendons and ligaments.  Everyone knows what a muscle is.  A tendon is a strong band of connective tissue that usually connects a muscle to a bone (see figure 1).  A ligament is a similar structure but it connects bone to bone.  Soft tissue injuries include bruises (also called contusions), overuse injuries (such as tendonitis or bursitis), and the most common, sprains and strains.

Sprains are a stretching or tearing of a ligament, most often affecting the knees, elbows or wrists (think ankle sprain). Strains are a stretching or tearing (either partial or complete) of a muscle or tendon.  Strains may occur from a specific injury such as a fall or an automobile accident due to either blunt force trauma or movement of the joint outside of its normal range.  They may also occur from routine activities of daily living such as lifting, gardening, sports activities or any activity that puts stress on the muscles and tendons.  They may be associated with any medical condition that causes inflammation, coughing, sneezing, or from something as simple as sleeping in a poor position.  Most individuals have suffered from a muscle strain at some time in their lives.  While these injuries may involve any muscle or tendon in the body, in personal injury cases, they most frequently involve the spine. The upcoming articles will focus on the treatment and evaluation of claims involving spinal strains (cervical, thoracic, lumbar). 

Works Cited

Chiropractic Canada. (2012). Effectiveness of Chiropractic Treatment. Retrieved August 11, 2012, from Canadian Chiropractic Association: http://www.chiropracticcanada.ca/en-us/FactsFAQs/EffectivenessofTreatment.aspx#1

Ernst, MD, E. (2002, October). Chiropractic Care: Attempting a Risk-Benefit Analysis. American Journal of Public Health, 1603-1604: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1447290/

Legorreta, A., Metz, R., Nelson, C., Ray, S., Chernicoff, H., & Dinubile, N. (2004). Comparative Analysis of Individuals with and without Chiropractic Coverage: Patient Characteristics, Utilization and Costs. Archives of Internal Medicine, 1985-1992: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15477432

Official Disability Guidelines. (2012, June 5). Sprains and Strains of Other and Unspecified Parts of Back. Retrieved August 11, 2012, from Official Disability Guidelines: http://www.disabilitydurations.com/bp/847.htm

Olson, DC, R. E. (2000). Procedural Utilization Facts – Chiropractic Care Standards. Woodstock, GA: Data Management Ventures.

Painter, DC, F. (2010, February 20). Whiplash Care Guidelines. Retrieved August 11, 2012, from The Chiropractic Resource Organization: http://www.chiro.org/LINKS/GUIDELINES/ART_CROFT.Chap12.shtml

Shiel, Jr., MD, W. C. (2012, February 03). Neck Strain. Retrieved August 11, 2012, from eMedecinehealth: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/neck_strain/article_em.htm#neck_strain_overview

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