Spinal Injuries from Accidents: Surgical Treatments and Recovery

Injuries to the spine, whether from accidents or other traumatic events, can sometimes require extensive testing and treatment to manage or resolve. These injuries can be complex and may demand advanced medical procedures to alleviate symptoms or prevent long-term complications.

Please note that Moore Faust Injury Law Group is not a medical provider. The information below is intended as a general overview and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a licensed healthcare provider.

Common Surgical Treatments for Spinal Injuries

Cervical Spine Injuries

The cervical spine, or neck, plays a critical role in supporting the weight of your head, which can weigh up to 10 pounds. Injuries to this area can damage the cervical structures, leading to pain, weakness, or numbness in the neck, arms, or hands.

The cervical spine consists of seven vertebrae, separated by shock-absorbing discs. Nerves branch from the spinal cord through small openings between the vertebrae, extending to various parts of the body, including the arms. One common cervical spine issue is a damaged or herniated disc.

Cervical Disc Surgery

If you are experiencing chronic neck and arm pain, or weakness due to a cervical disc problem, and conservative treatments haven’t worked, surgery may offer relief. Cervical disc surgery aims to treat the underlying cause of these symptoms and restore function.

Although many cervical disc issues improve with non-surgical methods, surgery is often necessary when symptoms persist. The procedure can correct the injury, offering long-term relief and restoring your quality of life.

Herniated Discs

A herniated disc, especially in the cervical or lumbar spine, is a frequent consequence of accidents like car or motorcycle collisions. This condition occurs when the inner material of the disc pushes through a tear in the outer layer, potentially pressing on nearby nerves and causing pain, weakness, or numbness in the neck, arms, or back.

In some cases, surgery is required to remove the herniated material and relieve symptoms, allowing the patient to regain normal function and comfort.

Radio Frequency Ablation

Radio frequency (RF) treatment uses electrical currents to block pain signals from the nerve pathways. This technique can be applied to several pain sources, including:

• Neck pain due to facet joint issues
• Headaches
• Back pain
• Radiculopathy (nerve pain)
• Pain related to the sympathetic nervous system

The procedure involves inserting a needle into specific neural tissue under x-ray guidance, where the current disrupts pain transmission and provides relief from chronic pain.

Percutaneous Discectomy

Percutaneous discectomy is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure used to treat disc issues. It involves a small incision (about the size of a puncture wound) through which the surgeon accesses the damaged disc, guided by X-ray and a video screen. Using specialized instruments, the surgeon removes the damaged disc material, offering significant relief from pain and other symptoms.

Microdiskectomy

Microdiskectomy is a refined version of traditional disc removal surgery. Using a microscope, the surgeon can target the damaged disc more precisely through a smaller incision, minimizing trauma to surrounding tissue and speeding up recovery time.

Lumbar Disc Surgery

Chronic low back or leg pain caused by lumbar disc issues can severely limit your daily activities. If conservative treatments fail, surgery may be necessary to relieve the pressure on nerves and alleviate pain.

Several types of lumbar disc surgery include:

• Diskectomy: Removing the portion of the disc pressing on the nerve
• Microdiskectomy: A minimally invasive version using a microscope
• Percutaneous Discectomy: A small incision-based approach

Spinal Fusion

In some cases, after removing a damaged disc, spinal fusion is performed to stabilize the affected vertebrae. This involves placing a bone graft between the vertebrae to help them fuse together, potentially with the aid of metal plates.

Surgical Approaches

Depending on the injury, your surgeon may approach the cervical spine through two methods:

• Anterior Approach: An incision is made at the front of the neck, providing access to the vertebrae.
• Posterior Approach: An incision is made at the back of the neck to access and treat the affected discs.

Both methods aim to remove the damaged disc material, restore spinal stability, and provide long-term relief from pain and other symptoms.

Follow-Up Care

Recovery from spinal surgery requires diligent follow-up care to ensure optimal results. This includes:

• Monitoring the healing of bone grafts after a fusion
• Assessing nerve function if there was prior weakness or numbness
• Gradually increasing physical activity or beginning physical therapy to strengthen the neck or back

Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), including concussions, hematomas, and skull fractures, affect over 1 million people in the United States each year. These injuries can have devastating, life-changing effects on victims and their families.

Common symptoms of brain injuries include:

• Loss of consciousness
• Memory loss or post-traumatic amnesia
• Seizures
• Abnormal pupil reactions

The effects of a brain injury can vary in severity, ranging from temporary impairments to permanent cognitive and physical disabilities. In severe cases, victims may be unable to care for themselves or perform daily tasks.

If you or a loved one has sustained a brain injury due to another party’s negligence, Moore Faust Injury Law Group is here to help. Contact us for a free consultation with an experienced brain injury attorney to discuss your rights and potential compensation.

Free Consultation for Your Injury Claim

If you’ve suffered a spinal injury or other trauma due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Before settling, reach out to Moore Faust Injury Law Group for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us help you understand your rights and guide you through the process.