4 Common Car Accident Injuries To The Spine and How to Recover
Car accidents are the most common cause of spinal damage in the U.S. Although airbags and seatbelts help to absorb impact and keep the passengers in the vehicle, the spine takes on a great amount of the force. The spine is delicate and is not meant to sustain such high-velocity impact. Often times, car accidents lead to spinal injuries that have lasting effects such as whiplash, herniated disc, spondylolisthesis, and fracture.
1. Whiplash
Whiplash is the most common neck injury in car accidents and most commonly occurs in rear-end collisions. Whiplash results from the quick sudden movement of the head being thrown backward and then forced forward, putting the cervical spine through extreme stress. The symptoms of whiplash may include neck pain, stiffness, shoulder pain, upper back pain, and/or headaches. Numbness, weakness, or tingling may also radiate down the shoulders and arms.
2. Herniated/bulging disc
The vertebrae of the spine are equipped with a rubbery, cushion-like substance on the inside that is designed to absorb shock and prevent injury. However, the impact of a car accident can cause the soft center to become inflamed and push through its tough casing. Once the disc is bulging out of its natural position, it may irritate other surrounding nerves. This may cause pain, numbness, weakness, or tingling which may or may not radiate to other areas of the body, including the extremities.
A herniated or bulging disc can occur anywhere in the spinal column, including the cervical spine, thoracic spine, and/or lumbar spine.
3. Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis occurs when a vertebra or vertebrae have slipped out of its prospective place. Similar to disc herniations, spondylolisthesis may also compress nerves that are lying nearby. A compressed nerve can result in symptoms such as pain, numbness, weakness, or tingling that may or may not radiate to the extremities. Severe cases of spondylolisthesis may require surgery to repair it.
4. Compression Fractures
A spinal fracture occurs when the vertebrae is unable to withstand a large amount of pressure placed on the bone and the vertebra body shatters and collapses. The force and extended movement of the upper spine can cause compression fractures during a car accident. A compression fracture may heal over time with rest or may require surgery for repair.
How to Recover from Spinal Injury?
It is highly important to seek immediate medical attention after a car crash in Miami if you are experiencing any pain, numbness, weakness, or tingling to determine if spinal injury is present. Even minor car accident injuries can progress to major ones if they are left untreated.
If you have a cervical spine injury from car accident or lumbar spine injury from car accident, treatment options should be discussed with your provider shortly after the accident has occurred. Choosing to neglect treatment of your spine can lead to chronic pain and ultimately the worsening of your condition.
Chiropractic adjustment
- Regular chiropractic adjustments can correct any subluxations that may have resulted upon impact and reduce symptoms of pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness. Adjustments can also promote healing by creating space between the vertebrae and allowing blood rich in oxygen and nutrients to flow to the site of injury.
Physical Therapy
- Physical therapy can benefit persons who have spinal injuries by restoring muscular strength, range of motion, and function.
How the Medical Professionals at Icon Medical Centers Can Help
At Icon Medical Centers car accident clinic in Miami, every member of our medical staff is trained to provide the specialized medical treatment to return you to normal function. After carefully giving a diagnosis, our experienced physicians will provide a detailed treatment plan to help reduce and resolve your pain.
The medical professionals at our facilities include:
- Car accident chiropractors in Miami
- Orthopedic surgeons
- Pain management specialists
- Physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians
- Licensed massage therapists
- Board-certified neurosurgeons.
Specialized medical treatment may include rehabilitation, physical therapy Miami, chiropractic adjustment, massage therapy, trigger point injections, electrical muscle stimulation, and other extended care. At our accident clinic Miami and Hollywood, we treat whiplash, back pain, herniated disc, bulging disc, spondylolisthesis, etc.
If you have been involved in an accident and are experiencing pain or discomfort, contact our car accident injury clinic today. Our medical professionals are highly trained and specialized in treating many of the common car accident injuries, including whiplash injury, car accident head injuries, and herniated discs. Our Miami accident doctors and Miami accident chiropractors will design a unique treatment plan based on your condition to help you get back to your optimal health.