Spinal Injuries from Accidents: Symptoms to Watch

Spinal Injuries from Accidents: Causes, Effects, and Recovery Options

 

Spinal injuries can happen in many ways, like car crashes, falls at work, sports mishaps, or slips that hit the head. These events often involve sudden forces that twist or squeeze the spine. This can lead to problems ranging from minor aches to serious harm that can change life forever. Understanding what happens to the spine in these situations is key. Forces such as quick bends, stretches, twists, or crushes can damage tissues, discs, bones, and nerves. Common issues include torn ligaments, slipped discs, and broken vertebrae. These may cause pain, weakness, numbness, or even paralysis. In severe cases, they can significantly impact one’s emotional well-being and physical strength for an extended period. This article examines the causes of these injuries, their impact on the body and brain, and effective treatment options, including chiropractic care as a gentle approach.

Forces That Injure the Spine in Accidents

In a vehicle accident, the body faces huge stress. For example, in a rear-end crash, the head snaps back and forth. This is called whiplash. It stretches neck muscles and ligaments too far. The spine bends in ways it shouldn’t, like hyperextension or compression. Hyperextension refers to over-stretching backward, while compression squeezes the bones together (Casper & Toledo, n.d.). Even at low speeds, this can tear soft tissues or crack vertebrae.

Workplace injuries often come from falls or heavy lifting. A worker might slip on a wet floor or fall from a ladder. The impact compresses the spine, especially in the lower back. Rotation adds twist, making things worse. Sports injuries happen in games like football or diving. A tackle can force the neck into flexion, bending it forward too much. Diving into shallow water causes axial compression, loading weight straight down on the head (PubMed, 2008). Falls, common in older people, twist the spine on impact, leading to fractures.

These forces—flexion, extension, rotation, and compression—increase spinal stress. In car wrecks, acceleration and deceleration cause the body to jerk. The seatbelt holds the chest, but the head flies forward. This shears nerves and damages discs (Injury Lawyer Houston, n.d.). In all cases, the spine absorbs shock meant to protect the cord inside. However, when overwhelmed, injuries can range from mild sprains to severe fractures.

Common Types of Spinal Injuries

Spinal injuries vary by accident type but share patterns. Whiplash is frequent in car crashes. It strains neck ligaments and muscles, causing pain and stiffness (BBGA, n.d.). More serious is a herniated disc. The soft center of a disc pushes out through a tear. This can press on nerves, leading to numbness or weakness in the arms or legs (Bowles & Verna, 2022).

Vertebral fractures break the spine bones. In high-impact events, such as falls or sports, compression fractures can crush vertebrae. Burst fractures shatter bones into pieces (NCBI, 2020a). Hangman’s fracture, a C2 break, comes from hyperextension in crashes or dives. It’s unstable but often spares the cord due to the wide space there.

Spinal cord injuries are the worst. They damage the nerve bundle in the spine. Complete injuries cut all feeling and movement below the spot. Incomplete ones leave some function (Mayo Clinic, n.d.). Car accidents cause nearly half of these, followed by falls and sports (NINDS, n.d.). Other issues include spondylolisthesis, where a vertebra slips forward, or stenosis, which narrows the canal.

In workplaces, slips compress the lumbar area. Sports like rugby risk cervical fractures (Physio-Pedia, n.d.). Falls can aggravate pre-existing conditions, such as weak bones in the elderly.

How These Injuries Affect the Brain

Spinal trauma is often linked to brain injuries. A blow to the head in a fall or crash causes concussions or TBIs. The brain hits the skull during quick stops or turns. This stretches or shears nerve fibers (UTSW Med, n.d.). In whiplash, the neck snap adds rotation, worsening brain shake.

Concussions disrupt brain function temporarily. Symptoms include headaches, confusion, and dizziness. Severe TBIs bruise or bleed the brain, leading to seizures or coma (Weill Cornell, n.d.). Blunt cerebrovascular injury damages neck arteries, risking stroke (NCBI, 2020b).

These forces exacerbate each other. Spinal misalignment after injury affects nerve signals to the brain. Chronic pain from spine damage can lead to mood changes or fatigue (Avant Medical Group, n.d.).

Head Injury/TBI Symptom Questionnaire:

Symptoms and Long-Term Changes

Symptoms appear right away or later. Pain, stiffness, and numbness are common. Shaking or weakness signals nerve damage. In severe cases, paralysis hits below the injury—quadriplegia for neck, paraplegia for lower back (New York Spine Specialist, n.d.).

In the long term, people experience changes in their feelings and strength. Muscle spasms or loss of bladder control occur (Personal Injury San Diego, n.d.). TBIs can cause memory loss or depression (Injury Lawyer, n.d.). Untreated, risks rise for permanent harm.

Treatment: A Holistic Approach with Chiropractic Care

Treatment begins with diagnosis, which may involve X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs (UTSW Med, n.d.). For mild injuries, rest and meds help. Severe cases require surgery to repair bones or relieve pressure (NCBI, 2020a).

Integrative chiropractic care offers a non-invasive way. It focuses on the whole body. Adjustments realign the spine, easing nerve pressure and reducing pain (Neck and Back Clinics, n.d.). For TBIs, it boosts brain healing by improving blood flow (Northwest Florida Physicians Group, n.d.). Techniques such as massage and exercises help build strength (Dr. Kal, n.d.).

Chiropractors work in conjunction with doctors to provide comprehensive care. This team approach handles both physical and nerve effects (Rush Chiropractic, n.d.). It resets the nervous system after trauma (Sea Change Chiropractic, n.d.).

Insights from Dr. Alexander Jimenez

Dr. Alexander Jimenez, a chiropractor and nurse practitioner, notes that spinal injuries resulting from accidents often respond well to holistic care. He utilizes adjustments and nutrition to treat whiplash and disc issues without resorting to surgery (Dr. Alex Jimenez, n.d.). His approach incorporates functional medicine to identify the root causes. Patients recover faster with personalized plans (LinkedIn, n.d.).

In his clinic, he observes that auto accidents are the most common cause of cases. Early care prevents chronic pain. He stresses non-invasive methods for long-term health.

Conclusion

Spinal injuries from accidents present challenges, but knowledge can help. Forces such as compression can cause damage ranging from mild to severe. Effects include pain and possible paralysis, plus brain issues. Chiropractic care offers gentle relief, complementing other treatments. Seek help early for the best results.

---

References

Avant Medical Group. (n.d.). What is an acute complicated injury? Understanding serious traumatic injuries. Retrieved from https://www.avantmedicalgroup.com/what-is-an-acute-complicated-injury-understanding-serious-traumatic-injuries/

BBGA. (n.d.). 10 common spinal injuries from car accidents. Retrieved from https://www.bbga.com/articles/auto/common-spinal-injuries-from-car-accidents/

Bowles & Verna. (2022). Common spinal cord injuries after a car accident. Retrieved from https://www.bowlesverna.com/blog/2022/09/common-spinal-cord-injuries-after-a-car-accident/

Brain and Spinal Cord. (n.d.). Motor vehicle induced brain injury. Retrieved from https://brainandspinalcord.org/motor-vehicle-accident/

Casper & Toledo. (n.d.). How a rear-end collision can impact your spine and brain. Retrieved from https://www.casperdetoledo.com/how-a-rear-end-collision-can-impact-your-spine-and-brain/

Casey Shomo Law. (n.d.). Common spinal injuries in car accidents. Retrieved from https://www.caseyshomolaw.com/posts/common-spinal-injuries-in-car-accidents/

Dominguez Injury Centers. (n.d.). How chiropractic care supports effective injury healing. Retrieved from https://dominguezinjurycenters.com/how-chiropractic-care-supports-effective-injury-healing/

Dr Alex Jimenez. (n.d.). Injury specialists. Retrieved from https://dralexjimenez.com/

Dr Kal. (n.d.). Chiropractic care for accident victims: The science. Retrieved from https://drkal.com/chiropractic-care-for-accident-victims-the-science/

Dr Kal. (n.d.). Chiropractic relief for accident head injuries. Retrieved from https://drkal.com/chiropractic-relief-for-accident-head-injuries/

El Paso Chiropractic. (n.d.). Chiropractic for post-accident concussion recovery in El Paso. Retrieved from https://elpasochiropractic.com/f/chiropractic-for-post-accident-concussion-recovery-in-el-paso

Function First Indy. (n.d.). The role of chiropractic care in personal injury recovery. Retrieved from https://www.functionfirstindy.com/the-role-of-chiropractic-care-in-personal-injury-recovery

Grossman Green. (n.d.). Common spinal injuries from car accidents. Retrieved from https://www.grossmangreen.com/blog/common-spinal-injuries-from-car-accidents/

Health Alaska Gov. (n.d.). Stabilization and interfacility management of spinal cord injuries. Retrieved from https://health.alaska.gov/media/hvunl5ji/stabilization-and-interfacility-management-of-spinal-cord-injuries.pdf

Injury Lawyer. (n.d.). How much is a head injury claim worth?. Retrieved from https://injurylawyer.com/blog/how-much-is-head-injury-claim-worth/

Injury Lawyer Houston. (n.d.). 5 spine and neck injuries that can result from car wrecks. Retrieved from https://www.injurylawyerhouston.com/5-spine-and-neck-injuries-that-can-result-from-car-wrecks/

LinkedIn. (n.d.). Dr. Alexander Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC, IFMCP, CFMP, ATN. Retrieved from https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralexjimenez/

Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Spinal cord injury – Symptoms and causes. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/spinal-cord-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20377890

MDPI. (2024). Challenges and insights: Cervical spine injuries in children with traumatic brain injury. Retrieved from https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9067/11/7/809

Miller and Hine Law. (2023). 5 common spine injuries after a car accident. Retrieved from https://www.millerandhinelaw.com/blog/2023/12/5-common-spine-injuries-after-a-car-accident/

NCBI. (2020a). Cervical injury. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448146/

NCBI. (2020b). Spinal trauma and spinal cord injury (SCI). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554330/

Neck and Back Clinics. (n.d.). How chiropractic care may alleviate neck and back pain from auto and work-related accidents. Retrieved from https://theneckandbackclinics.com/how-chiropractic-care-may-alleviate-neck-and-back-pain-from-auto-and-work-related-accidents/

New York Spine Specialist. (n.d.). Most common spinal injuries sustained in a car accident. Retrieved from https://newyorkspinespecialist.com/common-spinal-injuries-in-car-accident/

NINDS. (n.d.). Spinal cord injury. Retrieved from https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/spinal-cord-injury

Northwest Florida Physicians Group. (n.d.). Using chiropractic care to treat traumatic brain injuries. Retrieved from https://northwestfloridaphysiciansgroup.com/using-chiropractic-care-to-treat-traumatic-brain-injuries/

NW Health. (n.d.). Chiropractic economics: Chiropractic and traumatic brain injuries. Retrieved from https://www.nwhealth.edu/news/reis-writes-for-chiropractic-economics-chiropractic-and-traumatic-brain-injuries/

Personal Injury San Diego. (n.d.). Common back spinal injuries. Retrieved from https://www.personalinjurysandiego.org/slip-and-fall/common-back-spinal-injuries/

Physio-Pedia. (n.d.). Sports injuries of the head and neck. Retrieved from https://www.physio-pedia.com/Sports_Injuries_of_the_Head_and_Neck

PubMed. (2008). Spinal injuries in sports. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18295084/

Rush Chiropractic. (n.d.). What happens to your body in a rear-end collision?. Retrieved from https://rushchiropractic.com/what-happens-to-your-body-in-a-rear-end-collision/

Sea Change Chiropractic. (n.d.). How chiropractic helps reset the nervous system after car crash trauma. Retrieved from https://seachangechiropractic.com/how-chiropractic-helps-reset-the-nervous-system-after-car-crash-trauma/

UTSW Med. (n.d.). Brain and spine trauma. Retrieved from https://utswmed.org/conditions-treatments/brain-and-spine-trauma/

Weill Cornell. (n.d.). About brain and spine injuries. Retrieved from https://neurosurgery.weillcornell.org/service/brain-and-spine-injury/about-brain-and-spine-injuries