Motor vehicle accidents can cause spinal stenosis

On Behalf of Holmes & Wiseley, P.C.

People who have been involved in Michigan car accidents often suffer injuries to the back or neck. Even when a person is wearing a seat belt during a crash, their body can be violently jolted in different directions. Often, pain in the neck or back occurs but the person does not know exactly what sorts of injuries have happened. Even if pain is not felt right away, a person who has been in an accident may be suffering from spinal stenosis. There are some ways to identify spinal stenosis that can be helpful.

What is spinal stenosis?

The name of the affliction, spinal stenosis, refers to a narrowing of the spinal column. The spinal column is the housing in which a person’s spine and its associated nerves are contained. When the spinal column is narrowed, pressure is applied to the spinal cord, which can result in tingling, numbness or pain. Because these symptoms are common to several spinal issues or other disorders, it’s a good idea to seek medical treatment for pain after car accidents.

Spinal stenosis symptoms and diagnosis

Pain in the neck and back along the spine after a car accident may indicate spinal stenosis, as may tingling, numbness or weakness in the arms, shoulders or legs. Medical professionals may make use of specialized equipment such as X-rays, MRI scanners or CT scans in order to make or rule out a diagnosis of spinal stenosis.

Spinal stenosis treatment options

For people who are diagnosed as suffering from spinal stenosis, the right treatment will depend on the severity of the injury. In some cases a doctor might prescribe physical therapy, chiropractic visits or pain relievers. In more serious cases, surgery may be required to alleviate the condition. If surgery is required, a spine doctor should be consulted to go over the procedure, which might involve making more room for nerves or fusing vertebrae to increase stability.

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