Back and neck injuries can vary from annoying to complete paralysis. The treatments available differ as much as the injuries themselves. Our Eason and Tambornini, spinal cord injury attorneys, receive many questions regarding the type of treatments there are for spinal cord injuries, bulged or herniated disc injuries, and whiplash or soft tissue injuries.
What type of treatment is there for spinal cord injuries?
Regarding treatment options, the main aim is to prevent further damage to the spinal cord. Typically, this involves immobilizing and stabilizing the spine using a neck collar or traction. Surgery may also be given to repair fractures and remove bone fragments and other foreign objects.
Medications are given to stabilize the patient as well as control further complications. The most common medications include painkillers, anti-spastic drugs to control muscle spasticity, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and antidepressants.
The patient will also require ongoing care to delay or prevent complications such as pressure sores. Ongoing care also includes physical therapy to maintain joint range of motion, prevent the development of muscle contractures, and strengthen muscle function. Depending on the level and severity of the spinal cord injury, the patient will also be taught new skills to help cope with their disability and gain a little independence when it comes to his daily activities and self-care.
Spinal cord injuries can be temporary or permanent. If the injury is severe and permanent, the patient will need assistance and support throughout the rest of their life.
What type of treatment is available for bulged or herniated disc injuries?
A bulged or herniated disc is a condition wherein the vertebral disc bulges or protrudes outward or into the spinal canal. The bulging then impedes the spinal nerves or the spinal cord, resulting in motor and sensory problems. Severe disc bulging or herniation requires prompt and careful medical care, significantly since it increases the risks of developing a spinal cord injury.
Mild disc bulging or herniation requires conservative treatment such as medications, physical therapy, chiropractic care, brace or collar, as well as rest. However, for severe disc injury, surgery may be recommended to control pain and improve motor and sensory problems. Surgery aims to improve symptoms by relieving the pressure on the spinal nerves and spinal cord.
What type of treatment is available for whiplash or soft tissue injuries?
The most common cause of a whiplash injury is from a rear-end vehicular accident. The forceful, rapid, and sudden backward and forward movement of the neck causes injuries not only to the soft tissues in the neck but to the cervical spine as well. Whiplash injuries resulting in a fractured or misaligned cervical spine can also result in lasting motor and sensory problems.
Mild whiplash and soft tissue neck injuries are treated with painkillers, NSAIDs, neck brace or collar, as well as rest with ice (acute) and hot (chronic) compress. Chiropractic care or physical therapy may also be recommended to maintain or improve the neck’s range of motion and relieve pain.
Surgery is rarely needed for whiplash injuries. However, if the symptoms do not improve or even continue to worsen after eight to ten weeks, then other diagnostic and laboratory tests are usually requested to assess the neck injury. Surgery may then be recommended to repair cervical disc damage.
What can you do?
If you have suffered a spinal cord injury or believe you may have a bulged or herniated disc or have a soft-tissue injury, we hope you will consider contacting one of our Eason and Tambornini personal injury or workers’ compensation attorneys for a free consultation. Not only can we help you understand your legal options, but we seek compensation for your pain and suffering as well. Please give our Eason and Tambornini Sacramento spinal cord injury lawyer a call now to discuss your options.
