The spine is composed of 33 vertebrae that are stacked on top of one another and separated by cushion-like discs. The spine is divided into three regions: the cervical spine (neck), the thoracic spine (upper back), and the lumbar spine (lower back). An injury to the spine may be an injury to any one of the vertebrae, spinal discs, the spinal cord, or nerves.
An injured spine requires medical attention as soon as possible. In some cases, the symptoms do not appear until days after, which is why any suspected injury to the spine should be evaluated by a doctor. While severe injuries need emergency medical treatment, mild or less severe ones still need to be evaluated by a doctor. You will know if your case is severe based on your symptoms, which are usually unbearable and affect other functions of the body.
Here are some signs you need to see an orthopedic doctor as soon as possible.
#1 You have pain that is persistent or pain that worsens.
Pain should go away in a few days if there is a mild strain. However, if the pain hangs on and worsens, you may have injured your spine. Inflammation is usually a response to an injury, and inflammation causes pain. You could have fractured a vertebra or had an issue with a disc. In any case, you should see an orthopedic doctor if symptoms do not improve within a few days.
#2 You have difficulty moving.
If you have difficulty moving your neck or back without feeling severe pain, you could have developed a fracture or suffered a herniated disc or nerve compression. A healthy, functional spine is important for maintaining flexibility in the body, and a limited range of motion can lead to more injuries and a severely impaired daily life.
#3 You are experiencing numbness or tingling sensations.
Symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms, hands, legs, or feet, maybe a sign of nerve damage or a compressed nerve in your spine. The spinal cord is what sends signals to the rest of the body, and any injury to it and the nerves that branch off from it can lead to changes in sensation.
#4 You have lost control of your bladder and bowel movements.
An injury to the nerves at the base of the spinal cord can result in damage to the nerves that control bladder and bowel movements. If you notice you are unable to control your urge to urinate and are experiencing urine and bowel leakage, see a doctor immediately.
#6 If you have a history of spinal problems or chronic medical conditions.
If you have a history of spinal problems, such as arthritis, herniated discs, scoliosis, or spinal stenosis, or have chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, or osteoporosis, injuries to the spine require more complex treatments. Neglect can lead to serious, life-long complications. You need to regularly see a board-certified and highly experienced orthopedic doctor to ensure your spine’s long-term health.
Spine Injury Treatment in Hartford and Tolland Counties, CT & Springfield, MA
Orthopedic spine surgeons have advanced training in treatments of the spine and are equipped to handle rare and multiple spine conditions. Dr. David Kruger is our board-certified and fellowship-trained spine surgeon at Advanced Orthopedics New England. He is highly experienced in treating patients with different types of spine conditions, from sports injuries and age-related diseases to traumatic injuries. To schedule an appointment with our spine specialist, call our office today at (860) 728-6740.