Back and Neck Injuries and Pain

 

Disc Rupture, Herniated Disc, Spine Injuries, Spinal Cord Injuries

Back and neck pain occupy an "important chapter" in orthopedic medicine. Most major injuries, including automobile accidents may result in disc rupture, herniated disc, spine injuries and spinal cord injuries.  These injuries usually occur in the cervical or lumbar spine area.   Low back and neck injuries and pain alone are responsible for more than 65 percent of doctors visits and accounts for most work absenteeism among all other medical illnesses in the United States.

 

Whiplash Injury, Nerve Lesions, Nerve Damage, Disc Protrusion, Spinal Cord Compression,

Pinched Nerves

Back and neck injuries including whiplash injury, that usually result from car or motor vehicle accidents, falls, or other injuries, are of great importance, due to resulting nerve damage and severe nerve lesions. The spinal cord that comprises the descending nerve tracts of the brain providing nerve impulses to the body is positioned just behind the spine and the individual vertebrae and the inter-vertebral discs.  The average spine injury typically results in disc bulge or disc protrusion that may cause nerve or spinal cord compression. (pinched nerve) These conditions may become chronic and frequently result in permanent disabilities.

 

Disc Herniation, Spinal Nerve (Root) Compression, Spinal Stenosis, Cervical or Lumbar Radiculopathy, Sciatica

Most spinal injuries and problems occur either in the neck or low back area.  The disc provides weight bearing and functions as a hydraulic shock absorber, due to its elastic and resilient properties. Healthy disc requires adequate hydration. If it becomes desiccated, the disc cannot resist to compression and cracks like dry soil during droughts.

Disc ruptures result in disc herniation.   During disc herniation the disc discharges its gelatinous pulp and deflates. After herniation the protruding disc material may severely impinge upon and damage the spinal nerve root causing spinal nerve (nerve root) compression,  spinal stenosis and spinal cord compression.  The evolving condition results in inflammation and dysfunction, called a radiculopathy.  In the neck or low back area this is called a cervical or a lumbosacral radiculopathy, respectively.  Sciatica is a form of radiculopathy in the low back area that affects the lower extremity.

 

Muscle Spasm, Muscle Weakness, Tingling, Numbness:

The typical symptoms of radiculopathy include muscle spasm and pain in the neck or back area and muscle weakness and sensory abnormalities such as tingling or numbness in the extremities.

Diagnostic Evaluation

Diagnostic evaluation of the spine frequently necessitates an electromyography (EMG) to study nerve damage and an MRI scan to evaluate potential anatomical, or structural damage to the spine.

Physical Therapy,  Back Exercises

Most conditions of the neck and low back respond to conservative treatment. Treatment consists of postural and life style changes, physical therapy, back exercises and medications.

Get timely medical help, prevent chronic pain and disability !

Abnormalities of the neck and back should be evaluated and treated in a timely fashion to prevent permanent disabilities.

If you sufferred a neck or back injury and suffering of neck or back pain or experiencing impaired sensation or muscle weakness do not hesitate.

Call New York Midtown Orthopedics for help !

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