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Automobile accidents are one of the principal causes of
spine complications and are responsible for more than 40 percent of spinal
injuries every year, according to the Mayo Clinic. While the best possible
precautions can be taken to avoid tissue damage or injury in the case of an
auto collision, car accidents can be unpredictable and may not always be
prevented, but knowing the right information can help an individual recognize a
possible injury as well as be aware of the next steps to take for recovery.
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The spine is a complex structure consisting of bone, muscle,
tendons, ligaments, blood vessels and nerves. Although its capable of
supporting the whole weight of your body in order to promote a proper balance,
the spine can also be considered to be a delicate structure. The spine is not
built to withstand the impact of a car accident and unfortunately, neck and
back injuries are common during car accidents. The force of the impact causes
strain on the ligaments and muscles in the back, and the facet joints endure
the majority of the brunt from the collision. This can lead to several injuries
including, whiplash, disc herniation, compression fractures, and
spondylolisthesis.
Whiplash type injuries occur more frequently during rear-end
collisions as the force from the impact jolts the head and neck in a
back-and-forth motion in any direction. Symptoms of whiplash usually appear
within 24 hours of the accident and may include symptoms of pain, stiffness on
the neck, headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, and fatigue. In rare cases, an
individual with whiplash-associated disorders may also experience difficulty
concentrating, memory problems, ringing in the ears, difficulty sleeping, and
irritability.
Because the discs absorb a large part of the impact to the
spine, a herniated disc is a possible complication that can occur during an
auto accident. A disc is herniated when its soft center pushes through a small
crack in the disc’s exterior, causing irritation around the nerves. Several
people may experience no symptoms from a herniated disc while others may
commonly experience symptoms of arm or leg pain, tingling, numbness, or
weakness depending on the location of the herniated disc.
Compression fractures commonly occur in the thoracic, or
middle, and lumbar, or lower, regions of the spine during an auto accident. As
a result of the force from the impact, the upper body may be thrown forward while
the lower body remains in place by a seatbelt, causing the vertebrae to pull
apart. Spinal fractures can occasionally result in spinal cord injuries due to
the broken vertebrae moving out of place. The main symptom of a spinal fracture
includes moderate to severe back pain that can worsen through movement and
those with spinal cord injuries may experience symptoms of tingling, numbness,
weakness, and loss of bladder or bowel control.
Spondylolisthesis occurs when the vertebra moves out of
place as a result of a stress fracture on the bone. The abnormal placement of
the bone can cause compression on the nerves or spinal canal, causing symptoms
of pain, numbness, and/or weakness in the buttock or leg which can lead to
walking complications. In severe cases, spondylolisthesis can cause loss of
bladder or bower control. Many times, individuals may experience no symptoms
from the condition until several years’ post-injury.
After being involved in an automobile accident, it can be
difficult to determine the presence of neck or back pain as a simple muscle
strain or a more serious injury. It’s important to seek immediate medical
attention to properly diagnose any for possible spinal damage. A chiropractor
specializes on musculoskeletal injuries involving the spine as well as other
structures of the body. A doctor of chiropractic, or DC, can diagnose an
individual for the underlying cause of pain and other symptoms as some symptoms
may suggest that medical help is needed.
By Dr. Alex Jimenez