Injuries involving the spine are very common. Fractures along the spine, and associated trauma can occur in and around a number of areas of the spine. Trauma may occur to the cervical (neck), thoracic (chest area) or the lumbar (lower back) regions of the spine.
Common Symptoms of a Spinal Injury Include:
- Muscle Spasms
- Inability to stand or walk
- Moderate to Severe pain along the spine
- The symptoms from a nerve compression as a result of trauma, such as a pinched nerve, include:
- Pain or burning in the affected area
- Numbness or tingling in the affected area
- Weakness of the muscles of the arms and/or legs, or paralysis may result if there is significant pressure on or trauma to the nerves
Causes:
- Motor Vehicle Collisions
- Falls
- Sudden blows to the neck or lower back
- Slip-and-falls, especially to those of advanced age or suffering from osteoporosis
Common symptoms of lumbar (lower back) spinal trauma or fractures can include:
- Muscle Spasms in the lower back
- Inability to stand or walk
- Moderate to Severe pain in the lower back and buttocks
- Lumbar Radiculopathy (Sciatica). The symptoms from a nerve compressed from trauma (pinched nerve) include pain, burning, numbness, or tingling from the lower back into the buttocks, thighs, legs and feet.
- Weakness or paralysis may result in the muscles of the leg and feet if there is significant pressure on the nerves
Common symptoms of cervical (neck) spine trauma or fractures can include:
- Muscle Spasms in the neck and shoulder
- Inability to stand or walk
- Moderate to Severe pain in the neck and around the shoulder blades (scapula)
- Cervical Radiculopathy. The symptoms from a nerve compressed from trauma (pinched nerve) include pain, burning, numbness, or tingling from the neck into the shoulders, arms, forearms, and hands.
- Weakness or paralysis may result in the muscles of the arms and hands if there is significant pressure on the nerves
Treatments:
The majority of patients suffering from spinal trauma do not require surgery. Many types of spinal fractures and injuries are treatable with the use of special braces known as orthotics.
When trauma results in significant injury to the vertebrae, ligaments, discs, and other important areas of the back, or injury to the spinal cord or spinal nerves, surgery may be necessary. The spine surgery specialists at Comprehensive Spine Care will develop a specially formulated treatment plan based specifically on your symptoms, physical exam and MRI results. If you are suffering from any spinal trauma, pain or an injury contact us today and get diagnosed. Spinal injuries can be hugely detrimental and need to be treated as soon as possible.
