What are common spine injuries?
Your spine contains 26 vertebrae that provide stability and functionality to your body. The versatility of your spine allows you to move in a variety of ways, such as standing and sitting.
While the spinal column is designed to be strong and flexible, it’s susceptible to injury and disease that breaks down the vertebrae.
The most common issues that affect your spine include:
- Muscular sprains and strains
- Disc problems such as herniated discs or degenerative disc disease
- Age-related arthritis
Degenerative diseases, like arthritis and osteoporosis, can also affect the health and stability of your spine. As vertebrae wear down and the protective discs between each vertebra degenerate, you can experience persistent pain and mobility issues.
In some cases, damaged vertebrae can lead to compression of the nerves in the spinal canal that eventually causes permanent nerve damage.
How are spine injuries diagnosed?
There are a number of diagnostic tests Dr. Graham can perform to determine the type of injury you have and the extent of the damage. These tests include:
Electromyography is also an effective diagnostic test which evaluates the health of your muscles and the nerves which control them. The test uses small electrodes that collect data about the signals your nerves give out. This test can help identify disorders of the spinal nerves or compression problems from a herniated disc.
Once he determines the cause of your symptoms, Dr. Graham creates a custom treatment plan designed to provide long-term pain relief and increased functionality.
What treatments are available for spine injuries?
The treatment plan Dr. Graham uses is based on the severity of your injury. For emergency situations that affect your spinal cord, such as auto accidents or falls, you may need surgery to prevent additional complications, including paralysis.
If you have spine damage from a degenerative disease, Dr. Graham may recommend physical therapy, medications, or steroid injections to reduce your pain and increase your mobility.
When nonsurgical therapies aren’t enough to improve your quality of life, Dr. Graham may recommend surgery. He offers traditional and minimally invasive surgical methods that can correct structural issues in your spine or repair damaged discs that cause pain.
Dr. Graham can also recommend physical therapy exercises following surgery to help you regain functionality in your spine.
Don’t delay treatment for a spinal injury. You can schedule a consultation online or by calling the office today.
