The Shocking Truth About The Late Effects Of Car Injuries

Posted by Dr. Carlos Montes on October 29, 2010 under Personal Injury | Be the First to Comment

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 ol

d 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 are dependent on the level of injury sustained to the vertebral column. Aches and pains in neck, shoulders, hips, and thigh pain (sciatica) may present themselves. Back stiffness, a swollen knee, listlessness, weight loss and tiring easily; any of these may arise. Stiffness on rising is a good indication of inflammation. It may be eased by gentle morning exercise, or anti-inflammatory medication.

A good thing to remember is this: It is the work of your physician to find pain relief for you and it is up to you to exercise and keep up your posture. Radiology will most likely reveal the onset of spinal arthritis, bony protrusions called osteophytes and even disc problems. Your spine could well be pulled out of its normal alignment by severe muscle spasms. (These are all caused by your body in its attempt to stabilize the injury).

You may have finger, hand and arm symptoms of pain, numbness or tingling, or even as far as the heel of the foot, pain in the buttocks or thighs. Chest pain can occur due to involvement of the thoracic spine. A professional opinion will be needed for the course the prognosis takes and its treatment. Your symptoms may become acute and then settle down, or they may persist for many years, interfering with your ability to work and physical activity.

The services of a physiotherapist are essential and will work hand-in-glove with your orthopedic specialist. She will be able to give you exercises suitable to your injuries to keep your spine as supple as possible. Heat treatment, needle laser acupuncture, deep massage and gentle manipulation to break up painful spasms will all be in her line of treatment. Pain can also be relieved by sleeping in a cervical collar or back brace, having a firm mattress and resting your head on orthopedic-designed pillows. Stress exacerbates pain so you may be advised to use body-stress-relief therapy, take tranquillizers or anti-depressant medication. The beauty of anti-depressants in the treatment of chronic pain is that it lowers and masks pain to bearable levels. Firm mattresses and special pillows are also essential.

Surgery could be a possibility. This may restore mobility to damaged hip joints or to straighten the back or neck of someone who is becoming seriously stooped. Surgery is a strong motivation in the case of discs becoming herniated and causing nerve pain and spasm. Surgery is often performed by an orthopedic surgeon with a neurologist on hand to assist. Rhizotomy, a minimally invasive medical procedure can provide enormous pain relief and is performed on an outpatient basis.

The sad thing is that late effects of car injuries can show up long after accident; even after many years have passed, so that the initial motor vehicle accident insurance pay out may never make up for the on-going degeneration which the injuries set off in the first place.

Get complete details and information on the best steps to take when you have suffered from whiplash injuries. When you are looking for effective ways to deal with car accident injuries without losing time and mobility, you can find the best options available today!