Whilst the bones (vertebrae) that make up your spine are usually very strong, they can fracture (break) in under certain conditions. There are several causes of compression fractures. The lower vertebra of the thoracic spine (T11 and T12) and the first vertebra of the lumbar spine (L1) are most prone to these types of fractures, which are therefore termed ‘thoracolumbar fractures’. These fractures occur most commonly in the thoracic spine (the middle portion of the spine) and upper lumbar (the lower portion of the spine) regions. WHAT ARE COMPRESSION FRACTURES?Ī vertebral compression fracture is where a bone in the spine collapses. Surgery may be recommended if other conditions such as verterbral fracture or disc herniation are present. Indications for surgery include spinal cord compression, prolonged arm pain and/or weakness, and severe persistent headaches. Neck sprains or strains rarely require surgery. Symptoms of arm weakness, numbness, or shooting pains should be investigated further. Whilst most symptoms resolve in one or two months, severe injuries may take several months to heal completely. Aerobic activities, such as walking or swimming, should be started early. MODIFYING ACTIVITIESĮarly return to work is encouraged, usually with modifications in your workplace activities, which can be eased with time and recovery. Other treatment options include massaging the tender area, ultrasound, and physiotherapy. Heat can help relax cramped muscles, but should not be applied for the first few days. An ice pack may be applied for 15-30 minutes, several times a day for the first two or three days after the injury. Muscle relaxants can be used to help ease muscle spasms. MEDICATIONĪnalgesics and anti-inflammatory medications are often used to reduce pain and swelling. In cases where there is severe disc and/or ligamentous disruption, a hard collar (such as an Aspen Collar) may be prescribed. COLLARSĪ soft cervical collar may be worn for comfort. Like sprains in other parts of the body, neck sprains usually heal gradually, with time and appropriate treatment. These symptoms usually warrant a more extensive investigation. Headaches, especially at the back of the head (‘cervicogenic headaches’) are common.Īrm or hand pain, fatigue, numbness, tingling or weakness may be a result of nerve or spinal cord injury or compression. Muscle spasms and pain between the shoulder blades or over the trapezius muscles (between the shoulders and the neck) may also occur. Pain at the back of the neck is often worse with movement, and frequently peaks one or two days after the injury before improving. The symptoms of whiplash may include neck stiffness or reduced range of movement, neck pain, headaches, and even arm pain. The actual cause of symptoms can be either a stretch or tear of the ligaments or muscles, or even compression of the spinal nerves. The term “whiplash” is best used to describe the way the injury occurred, although some use it as a diagnosis. Although most recover quickly, some develop chronic severe pain that may result in significant disability. It is common to find that these symptoms are worse a day after the injury. The most common form of injury is a rear-end motor vehicle accident, where the head and neck rapidly bend a long way forward before stopping suddenly or even being thrown backwards.Īpproximately 20% of people involved in rear-end motor vehicle accidents experience neck symptoms later. It is caused by a sudden and severe neck movement. Whiplash is a neck injury caused by a strain, sprain, or tear in the soft tissues (muscles and ligaments).
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