Spinal Injury

Neck Strains & Sprains

Pinched Strains & Sprains

A common injury, neck strains & sprains occur when muscles, ligaments, or tendons in the neck endure tearing or inflammation. Car accidents, sports injuries, and failure to warm up before exercise can all cause neck strains & sprains. Additionally, symptoms can vary depending upon the extent of the damage. But, typically, warning signs will include some degree of pain or stiffness while moving the head. Many of these injuries heal without surgical intervention.

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Pinched strains & sprains can occur at any location in the spine and increase in prevalence with age. When the muscles, ligaments, or tendons in the back suffer damage, this can lead to spinal instability or pinched nerves. A double whammy: inflammation and swelling from the damaged tissues can compress spinal nerves. Falls, accidents, exercise—even twisting the wrong way—can cause sprains (ligament injuries) or strains (torn tendons).

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Whiplash

Spinal Cord Injury

Whiplash is a well-known term, which is most often associated with rear-end collisions. However, many people don’t realize that any sudden jerking movement of the head can cause whiplash. During a whiplash injury, the muscles, ligaments, and tendons of the neck sustain damage. Stiffness and tingling can also occur, as well as neurological symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. In severe cases, herniated discs or breathing problems can occur.

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Of the spinal injuries, spinal cord injuries have the most potential to wreak lasting damage. Remember that your spinal cord is responsible for facilitating the brain’s communication with the rest of your body. When the spinal cord suffers an injury, partial or complete blockage of nerve signals can occur. As a result, total loss of movement, or paralysis, in the limbs can follow. Additionally, numbness, tingling, or muscular spasms can coincide.

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When Spinal Injuries Are A Problem


As a matter of fact, approximately 80% of adults will experience some form of spinal injury during their lifetimes. Whether because of daily activities or sudden accidents, these injuries can result in debilitating pain and long-lasting consequences.

And, yet, it is true that many sprains will heal themselves given time and the administration of ice, heat, or NSAID medications. However, for stubborn, excruciating, or incapacitating spinal injuries, your condition will require evaluation by a qualified medical professional. A physician can help you avoid sustaining further damage to your spine and prevent a gradual worsening of your symptoms.

Both Dr. Charles Gatto and Dr. George Naseef of The Advanced Spine Center specialize in the treatment of spinal injuries. Each of these board-certified surgeons is devoted to delivering a patient-centered approach with conservative and minimally invasive options for treatment. With over 40 years of combined experience between them, you can place you trust in our clinicians to provide you with the highest standard of orthopedic care.

Spinal Injury Treatment Options

Foraminotomy

A minimally invasive foraminotomy can relieve pressure on spinal root nerves that suffer compression from damaged muscles, bones, discs, or other spinal structures. By shaving away the bony foramina, your surgeon creates more space for your nerves. Read more...

Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusions

A variety of surgical options depend upon the location of the injury. A spinal fusion can restore stability to the spine and alleviate pain created by compression of spinal cord and nerves. Fusion options may include minimally invasive ACDFs, ALIFs, PLIFs, or TLIFs. Read more...

Laminectomy

A minimally invasive laminectomy can release painful pressure on a pinched nerve or compressed spinal cord. Your lamina is a bony structure on the backside of your vertebra that encases the spinal cord. Read more...

Conservative Therapies

These may include a number of pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and steroidal medications or injections. Additionally, your doctor may recommend complementary therapies such as physical therapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture, yoga, or gentle exercise.