Spine Injuries Caused by an Injury or Accident

In Los Angeles County, more than 50,000 individuals suffer injuries from auto accidents each year. Ranging from minor to severe, the reality is that thousands of men, women and children suffer from pain in the neck, back or spine following a car accident.

While there are countless types of injuries, and degrees of severity of injuries that Los Angelenos sustain each year, there are several spine injuries that occur most frequently.

Here is a look at the most common types of spine, neck and back injuries individuals sustain in an auto accident.

1. Whiplash
   Bar none, the most common spine injury sustained in a car accident in Los Angeles is whiplash. Whiplash is the common name for the injury sustained to the neck, due to rapid, forceful jerking of the head back and forth. In essence, the head snaps forward and then back, much like the cracking of a whip. This injury commonly occurs if you've been rear-ended. Most of the time, pain from whiplash will develop within 24 hours of the accident, but for others it will develop more slowly, over time. Though for most people, whiplash will be nothing more than a painful inconvenience which will resolve in a matter of weeks, severe whiplash may result in tingling in the limbs, pain in the shoulder, back, or arms, dizziness, fatigue, memory problems, blurred vision, difficulty concentrating, and depression. It is always advisable that you consult with a top Los Angeles spine surgeon if you're experiencing pain from whiplash.
    
2. Spinal/Vertebra Fractures
   Fractures of the vertebra are also common spine injuries resulting from a car accident in Los Angeles. Fractures may range from mild or moderate to dislocations of bony vertebrae. You will need to seek care from a top L.A. spine surgeon following a car accident to confirm the diagnosis of a spinal fracture, which will require imaging tests such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans. In severe fractures, Spondylolisthesis can occur as the result. This condition occurs when a stress fracture forces the vertebrae to move completely out of place. Treatment for fractures of the spine following a car accident may range from bracing, to surgery, depending upon the location, type of fracture, and severity of the injury. Wherever possible, Dr. K. Rad Payman will use the least invasive treatment method.
    
3. Herniated Discs
   The vertebral discs in your spine serve as shock absorbers, or cushions between the bones of the spine. During an auto accident, forceful impact can result in the vertebral discs slipping out of position. This herniation leads to a pinching of nerves in the spinal canal, which often leads to symptoms including pain, and/or weakness, tingling or numbness. Imaging tests will be necessary to confirm a herniated disc, and to allow Dr. K. Rad Payman, top Los Angeles Spine Surgeon to customize a treatment plan. Treatment for herniated discs in Los Angeles range from nonsurgical conservative treatments to minimally invasive surgery.
    
4. Spinal Cord Injuries
   Damage to the spinal cord can result in grave, and sometimes permanent injuries, including paralysis. If you have been in an accident, it is so important to see a doctor as soon as possible. In some cases, serious spinal injuries are not always obvious immediately after the accident. However, if injuries aren't identified, they can become worse. In other words, time is of the essence, when it comes to spinal cord injuries.

It is important to remember that even low impact auto accidents can result in injuries to your back, neck, and spine. We urge you to see a top Los Angeles spine surgeon if you've been in an auto accident, to ensure that no hidden injuries exist, which could become lifelong problems, leading to chronic pain and discomfort.

Dr. K. Rad Payman is a top Los Angeles Spine Surgeon, who specializes in minimally invasive surgery. To schedule an appointment with Dr. K. Rad Payman after you've been in a car accident, or for treatment of back, neck, and spine pain, please call 818-501-2001 today.