Head of Medical negligence Jason Brady secured a £40,000 settlement for their client Mrs L, after suffering chronic pain following back surgery.
Posted on 15th October 2025
Back Care Awareness Week 2025 takes place from October 14th–19th, and it’s an important reminder of how vital spinal health is not only for our physical wellbeing but also for our overall quality of life. This annual campaign encourages everyone to look after their back, adopt proper posture, and make lifestyle choices that promote spinal health.
At Blackwater Law we see first-hand the devastating impact that back injuries and spinal conditions can have, particularly when they are caused or worsened by medical negligence or unsafe workplace practices. During this awareness week, we want to highlight the importance of early diagnosis, safe working environments, and knowing your rights if things go wrong.
Why Spinal Health Matters
Back pain is one of the most common medical complaints in the UK, with an estimated 60–70% of people experiencing it at some point in their lives. Each year, it’s responsible for around 120 million lost working days, making it one of the leading causes of workplace absence.
In most cases, it can be managed with the right treatment and care. However, when serious spinal or neurological conditions are missed or misdiagnosed such as cauda equina syndrome, spinal tumours, or severe disc injuries, the consequences can be life changing.
Delays in diagnosis or inadequate treatment can lead to permanent nerve damage, mobility loss, and chronic pain. That’s why it’s essential that healthcare professionals take back pain seriously and follow correct diagnostic procedures.
Common Diagnostic Errors for Back Pain
Unfortunately, not all back pain is investigated properly. Some of the most common medical errors include:
- Failing to refer a patient for urgent MRI or specialist review.
- Misdiagnosing severe nerve compression as a routine muscular issue.
- Ignoring red flag symptoms such as loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness, or severe pain.
- Delays in recognising conditions like cauda equina syndrome, which requires emergency surgery.
When healthcare providers fail to act on warning signs or provide timely treatment, patients may have grounds for a medical negligence claim.
The Importance of Scans, Referrals, and Second Opinions
Accurate diagnosis often depends on proper imaging and timely referrals. An MRI scan or neurological assessment can make all the difference in preventing permanent damage. If you have ongoing or worsening back pain and feel your concerns haven’t been taken seriously, you should:
- Request further investigation, such as a referral to a specialist or a scan.
- Keep detailed notes of symptoms, medical appointments, and advice received.
- Seek a second opinion if you feel your concerns have been dismissed.
- Contact a medical negligence solicitor if you believe errors in your diagnosis or treatment have caused harm.
Back Injuries and the Workplace
Back Care Awareness Week also highlights the importance of protecting your back at work. Poor workplace ergonomics and incorrect manual handling are major causes of back injuries.
Employers have a legal duty to take reasonable care for their employees and keep them reasonably safe from injury, which includes:
- Providing proper manual handling training.
- Ensuring suitable lifting equipment is available.
- Carrying out regular risk assessments.
- Encouraging good posture and ergonomic workstation setups.
When these responsibilities are ignored, and workers suffer back injuries as a result, this may constitute employer negligence.
If an occupational back injury has been caused by a lack of training, poor equipment, or unsafe conditions, you may be entitled to compensation.
How to Get Involved in Back Care Awareness Week 2025
Participating in Back Care Awareness Week is a great opportunity to prioritise your spinal health and support others in doing the same. You can:
- Educate yourself, learn about posture, safe lifting techniques, and exercises to strengthen your back.
- Share awareness, post back care tips and resources on social media.
- Encourage good workplace ergonomics, advocate for ergonomic furniture and regular breaks.
- Support local events, attend workshops or community activities focused on spinal health.
- Seek professional advice, if you experience persistent pain, consult a medical professional. Early intervention can prevent long-term issues.
When to Seek Legal Advice
If you believe your back injury or condition has been made worse by negligent medical care or unsafe work practices, it’s important to seek advice as soon as possible.
A specialist medical negligence solicitor can:
- Review your medical records and identify any failings in care.
- Obtain independent expert medical opinions.
- Help you secure compensation for pain, suffering, loss of earnings, and ongoing treatment costs.
At Blackwater Law our team has extensive experience helping individuals whose spinal or back conditions have been misdiagnosed or worsened by negligence. We understand how devastating these injuries can be, physically, emotionally, financially and we’re here to help you get the answers and support you deserve.
Contact Us
If you or a loved one believe you’ve suffered due to a misdiagnosed back condition, delayed treatment, or unsafe working environment, our expert medical negligence solicitors are here to help.
Get in touch today for free, confidential advice and find out whether you may have a claim.
