Understanding

Spine Injuries

Spinal injuries can come from a variety of sources.  Any high speed or high energy accidents will injure the spine and that can mean neck and lower back pain.  Many patients are surprised to experience prolonged symptoms. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon to have more than a year of pain after a significant injury and indeed research has shown that the patients on average do report symptoms for a year.  Even what is commonly referred to as “whiplash” can have prolonged pain periods. Even in the absence of significant disc injuries, fractures or ligamentous injury, symptoms can persist. Even seemingly low energy accidents, small falls, or slips can lead to prolonged pain episodes.  Every patient should see their family physician initially, but if pain lasts longer than a few days, they should see a spine specialist for an evaluation and discussion about appropriate care that can include medications, injections, physical therapy, home exercises, and other noninvasive techniques that will help pain, improve function and get patients back to normal sooner.