Months and usually even years before initial impact, the late effects of car injuries can arise. Typically, the patient seeks the advice of his doctor for say, a growing weakness in arm or leg or severe and sickening headaches. X-rays and body scans can reveal changes to the spinal column from old injury. The doctor or orthopedic specialist may announce that your neck or back is AT RISK, which means that degeneration is taking place.

The spine is divided into three sections. They are the lumbar, thoracic and cervical (neck). There are no less than 24 vertebrae and 110 joints making up the spinal column through which vital nerves and the even more important spinal cord travels. Alterations in vertebrae, the discs between them (like cushions) and joints can all cause great pain and even changes to certain bodily functions; particularly when nerves become pinched or pressure is placed on the cord. Whiplash is the leading injury sustained during motor vehicle accidents and deterioration may only be noticed months or years later.

Symptoms can be varied, as it depends on which C level (cervical), T level (Thoracic) or L level (Lumbar) has been injured. There may be morning back stiffness (revealing inflammation), pain in the hips, neck, shoulder, temple area or occipital skull area. Feeling constantly weary, with body aches and pains and even buttock and thigh pain may occur. One herniated disc or more, may be present.

Your doctor will see to your pain relief and suggest exercises in an attempt to keep you supple and build bone. You will most likely be placed on anti-inflammatory pain medication. Nature tries (but not without causing pain) to stabilize injuries to the spine by arthritic changes, bony protuberances called osteophytes and creating constrictive muscle-spasms.

Signs of importance to your orthopedic surgeon or doctor will include whether or not you have changes in primary bodily functions, numbness, pain or tingling in the outer extremities of your limbs, and perhaps a feeling of constriction of the chest. He will test the gripping strength of your hands, for example and note where exactly you feel discomfort. The disorder could go from acute to chronic and back over a long period of time interfering with daily activities, including your work.

As an adjunct to the care your doctor provides, he will no doubt refer you to a physiotherapist. Her expertise in gentle manipulation, massage, heat therapy, and gentle acupuncture using laser needles will become essential to the management of your pain. She may encourage you to use a back brace or cervical collar from time-to-time to warm and support your body. As stress can play a part in worsening symptoms, you may be placed on tranquillizers or even anti-depressants. Anti-depressants play a role by bringing your pain level down. A firm mattress and orthopedic pillow is also essential.

It may become necessary to have surgery at some stage. This is useful in restoring mobility to say, damaged knee or hip joints. Fusion of the cervical area is a last resort. Your physician will probably want you to have pain-reducing blocks or Rhizotomy treatments instead. Fused vertebrae only cause temporary relief as other vertebrae and joints take over their work. Alternately, the spinal level involved may be too high (at C1 and C2 for example) for fusion.

Unfortunately for the sufferer, the late effects of car injuries are usually not taken into any great consideration when insurance claims are paid out. That minor whiplash which invariably evolves into degenerative disease with time could handicap you to the extent that you cannot work.

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