If you suffered a severe back injury during an accident, you are highly likely to suffer from spondylolisthesis or cervical radiculopathy.
According to WebMD, doctors diagnose the extent of your pain through the use of x-rays, CT scans and MRI scans. Next, the physicians will decide what type of treatment fits the severity of your condition.
Treatment for spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis occurs when a vertebra slips. In an accident, a fracture of one or both wing-shaped parts of your vertebra can cause vertebral slipping. The main symptoms of spondylolisthesis include muscle tightness, lower back pain, pain radiating down your legs and muscle weakness.
For treatment, you may require physical therapy to strengthen your back and abdominal muscles. While pain medication and steroid injections may help, you may require a decompressive laminectomy if you have severe pain and disability.
In a decompressive laminectomy, surgeons widen your spinal canal to provide room for nerves. Then, the surgeon does a spinal fusion to stabilize your spine. You may require an implanted device to permit more movement.
Treatment for cervical radiculopathy
Cervical radiculopathy occurs if you suffer injuries that put pressure on your nerve roots. Often a ruptured disc will compress the nerve root and lead to chronic pain.
You may experience muscle weakness, numbness and pain through your chest, shoulder, arm and neck. To treat the pain, physicians may treat you with pain medication and physical therapy. In some cases, you may have to orally take steroids or have injections into the space around your spinal cord. If you suffer from motor weakness, you may need surgical intervention to relieve the pressure.