Experienced Spine Injury Doctor Serving Western New York
Spine injuries are serious and can be devastating to your quality of life. It may significantly hinder your activities of daily living and can lead to extensive pain and even paralysis. If you or someone you love has suffered an injury to your spine, it’s important to see an experienced spine injury doctor who knows how to identify and treat your spinal injury. Therapeutic interventions exist for spinal cord injuries that may allow you to regain your strength and mobility without the need for serious surgeries. Rehabilitation may include physical therapy, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, TENS units, and a variety of physical conditioning exercises and modalities focused on strengthening your muscles and reducing your pain.
Your spine and neck are your body’s unsung heroes. They are responsible for holding up and stabilizing your head, and they also contain various nerves that control movements and let you engage in different activities. You don’t realize how much your neck and spine do until you injure them. A spine injury can cause a great deal of pain and also make it difficult to engage in daily tasks.
When you think of a spinal cord injury, you likely think of your back. However, you also have seven vertebrae located in your neck, referred to as the cervical spine. As a general rule, the higher the spinal cord injury, the more severe, so an experienced spine injury doctor must treat cervical spinal cord injuries with care.
Cervical spinal cord injuries are typically caused by significant trauma. For example, if you get in a head-on collision, you might experience a cervical spinal cord injury.
Cervical spinal cord injuries are grouped based on location. The first section is for the high-cervical nerves (C1-C4). This is the most severe and causes paralysis in the legs, trunk, arms, and hands.
A C8 injury is the least severe. While there is some nerve damage, people with a C8 injury can do most activities, including driving an adapted vehicle.
If you have a spinal cord injury, you will need a proper assessment by an experienced spine injury doctor to determine how severe it is. Then you will undergo a treatment program. Medical Care of Western New York at Buffalo uses a multifaceted approach when treating spinal cord injuries. This allows us to address the physical and emotional issues you must deal with due to your neck injury. We also have an assortment of treatment options, including physical therapy and other modalities.
If you could peek inside your body, you would notice that your vertebra contains small discs. These discs cushion the vertebra so you can move comfortably. The discs contain an annulus and a nucleus. The annulus is the hard outer layer, while the nucleus is the soft jelly-like material. If the disc ruptures, a piece of the nucleus will make its way into the spinal canal and can land on a nerve. This causes great irritation and can cause pain, numbness, and weakness.
Herniated discs can be caused by excessive strain. Also, people can get herniated discs as they age due to disc degeneration.
There is a myth that all herniated discs require surgery. However, that is rarely the case. Non-invasive treatments are usually effective for this condition. We will go over a treatment plan with you when you visit our office for an appointment with a spine injury doctor.
If one or more of the small bones in the neck becomes displaced, you’ll be diagnosed with cervical dislocation. This spine injury is due to significant head or neck trauma. Sporting injuries and auto accidents are often the cause of cervical dislocation.
People experience sudden pain with cervical dislocation. The pain is usually severe and might radiate to the arm. Neck and muscle spasms can also occur, and you might notice weakness in your upper extremities.
Immediate care is needed when you have cervical dislocation. You might be taken to the emergency room directly after the neck injury, but you can then go to our office to continue your care with the guidance of our spine injury doctor.
Physical therapy plays a vital role in your recovery after a serious life-altering spinal cord injury, and a spine injury doctor at Medical Care of Western New York can help guide you on the best treatment options available for you to help regain your range of motion, strength, and mobility.
If you’re suffering from a spine injury, you need to get the proper care. Medical Care of Western New York at Buffalo is a traditional medical office that provides a wealth of treatment options in one spot. With diagnostic equipment, general and specialized practitioners, and options like physical therapy, you can get everything you need right here. Schedule an appointment with a spine injury doctor and let us help you get back on the road to recovery. Contact us today and let our experience work for you.
Watch our educational videos to learn more about spinal cord injuries and the treatments we provide.
