There are two very common sources of pain in the lumbar spine: the discs and the facet joints. Facet-oriented pain is more common in older people, but discogenic pain is more common in general.
If you are suffering from back pain after an accident, it is very important to understand the differences between these two causes.
Discogenic Injuries Discogenic pain is the result of discs in the spine that have either gone through gradual changes or suffered acute trauma, such as in a car accident. With this type of pain, you may have just a few days of pain, or you may have prolonged and recurrent pain. Most often, discogenic pain occurs in the lumbar spine and it may come on suddenly or during an activity. Symptoms include lower back pain and spasms. Sometimes the pain radiates to the groin, buttocks, or thighs, and it may get worse during standing, sitting, or bending.
Diagnosing and Treating Discogenic Injuries There are five vertebrae in the lumbar spine with soft discs in between. Each disc in your lumbar spine has a hard outer ring that surrounds a soft inner nucleus. When we are young, these discs are mostly water, but they lose this hydration as we age, which makes them more susceptible to cracks called annular tears. These tears create pain and inflammation.
Back pain can have many causes, which is why a skilled healthcare provider must properly diagnose the issue. MRIs can be useful in locating signs of disc degeneration, but not all degenerated discs will cause pain. Other tests, such as a discography, may be necessary to identify the problem.
The first stage in treating this form of back pain is anti-inflammatories and physical therapy, but other non-surgical options like epidural corticosteroid injections may be used to provide relief. In some cases, surgery is the only option.
Facet Injuries Facet joints (zygapophysial joints) support your weight and control movement between the vertebrae of your spine. They work with the intervertebral discs to allow your spine to move.
The most common problem associated with facet injuries is muscle spasms, which may pull the spine out of alignment and cause pain in your neck or back. Some people find that just bending over to pick something up can leave them unable to move. Most back pain after a facet injury comes on without warning. In many cases, an attack can be resolved by freeing the joint.
Pain from a facet joint injury may be due to inflammation of the joint or nerve impingement when a nearby nerve is pinched. Muscle spasms are the body’s way of protecting itself, as these spasms are meant to stop movement and prevent further damage.
Diagnosing and Treating Facetogenic Injuries In most cases, facet joint damage is visible on x-rays, although a CT scan is sometimes used to show more detail or to rule out damage to other structures. An MRI scan can also be taken to look for problems of the ligaments and discs. Less commonly, a doctor will use an injection into the joint, called a facet joint block, which includes x-ray contrast material, cortisone, and local anesthetic.
Cold therapy and hot packs are often recommended to treat facetogenic injuries, as well as ibuprofen. Gentle movement is important for the first few days of recovery. Sports massage may be used if pain still occurs, as massage can ease muscle spasms. Chiropractic care may also help free the joints and improve movement.
How Do Car Accidents Cause Back and Neck Pain? Even at low speeds, car accidents can cause extensive damage to the human body — even if it is not visible. Whiplash is one of the most common causes of neck and back injuries. The speed and force in an accident cause extreme acceleration and deceleration that the body can’t be prepared for, especially when the car is stopped at the time.
In some cases, these injuries may be healed through pain management and other forms of medicine.
If you have been involved in a car accident and now suffer from back or neck pain, 844 See Mike will tirelessly work on your behalf to help you recover compensation to offset damages caused by a negligent party. Getting an accurate diagnosis of your injuries is one of the most important steps to take.
If you have been injured in a car accident due to the negligence or reckless action of another person, contact 844 See Mike, for a free consultation. We are a Chicago car accident law firm representing individuals and families who have suffered an injury or loss due to car accidents. 844 See Mike, will handle your personal injury case quickly, will advise you every step of the way, and will not hesitate to go to trial for you.
Lastly, 844 See Mike, does not get paid attorney’s fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. Therefore, you have nothing to risk when you hire us–just the opportunity to seek justice.