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THE CAUSES OF DAMAGED CERVICAL DISCS
August 9, 2016 by: Luis Manuel Tumialan MD
Degenerative Disc Disease
When people in the greater Phoenix area experience serious back pain, neck pain, or injuries to their spinal cord, they know they can turn to our practice for expert care. We offer state-of-ther-art surgical spine procedures, each designed to alleviate pain and restore your range of motion. These surgical procedures can make a major difference after a person has suffered an injury to the cervical spine. We'd like to explore these issues right now, with a focus on what can cause damage to the cervical vertebrae.
The Cervical Spine Explained
The cervical spine refers to the seven vertebrae that comprise the neck portion o the spine. The topmost cervical vertebrae is referred to as C1, with the lower cervical vertebrae referred to as C2-C7. When a serious injury occurs to the cervical spine, the damage to these vertebrae can be severe and life-altering.
Car, Motorcycle, and Vehicle Accidents
Serious car, motorcycle, and bike accidents can result in major trauma to the body. The sheer force from a collision can lead to neck injuries that impact the vertebrae of the neck. This is true of single-car or multi-car collisions, motorcycle accidents of all kinds, and even accidents while you are riding a bike.
Sports Injuries
Contact sports (e.g., football, hockey) and combat sports (e.g., boxing, MMA) can lead to a whole host of injuries. It should come as no surprise, then, that neck injuries may occur during these kinds of sports as well. Sometimes the neck injury is the result of a sudden tackle or blow, but repeated trauma while engaged in the sport.
Even non-contact or combat sports can lead to serious neck injuries. Accidents can happen while playing basketball or soccer, for instance. In equestrian sports, you can potentially be thrown from your horse, resulting in catastrophic injury.
Serious Slips and Falls
Major slips and falls can lead to serious bodily harm. This is especially true when one falls from a major height of some kind. This is why it is crucial to be safe when ascending and descending stairs, or whenever you stand near a ledge.
Physical Altercations
If you are involved in a fight or are assaulted, there is a chance that you will sustain a serious injury to the neck/ It really depends on the nature of the physical altercation. Be sure to seek medical attention afterward to have any injuries addressed.
Cervical Disc Degeneration
While degenerative disc disease is far more common in the lumbar region of the spine (the lower back), it can also occur in the neck. This is especially true if there is long term torquing and stress placed on the cervical vertebrae over time.
Treating Damage to Cervical Discs
There are many approaches to consider when it comes to addressing injuries to the cervical spine. These can all be considered and discussed in greater detail during the consultation process. Some patients may respond better to certain procedures than others, and the nature of the injury and its cause will often help determine the proper treatment options.
Learn More About Addressing Neck Pain and Injuries
For more information about treating neck pain and neck injuries, we encourage you to contact our advanced spine surgery center today. We will work closely with you to restore wellness and flexibility while alleviating pain.
The cervical spine refers to the seven vertebrae that comprise the neck portion o the spine. The topmost cervical vertebrae is referred to as C1, with the lower cervical vertebrae referred to as C2-C7. When a serious injury occurs to the cervical spine, the damage to these vertebrae can be severe and life-altering.
Car, Motorcycle, and Vehicle Accidents
Serious car, motorcycle, and bike accidents can result in major trauma to the body. The sheer force from a collision can lead to neck injuries that impact the vertebrae of the neck. This is true of single-car or multi-car collisions, motorcycle accidents of all kinds, and even accidents while you are riding a bike.
Sports Injuries
Contact sports (e.g., football, hockey) and combat sports (e.g., boxing, MMA) can lead to a whole host of injuries. It should come as no surprise, then, that neck injuries may occur during these kinds of sports as well. Sometimes the neck injury is the result of a sudden tackle or blow, but repeated trauma while engaged in the sport.
Even non-contact or combat sports can lead to serious neck injuries. Accidents can happen while playing basketball or soccer, for instance. In equestrian sports, you can potentially be thrown from your horse, resulting in catastrophic injury.
Serious Slips and Falls
Major slips and falls can lead to serious bodily harm. This is especially true when one falls from a major height of some kind. This is why it is crucial to be safe when ascending and descending stairs, or whenever you stand near a ledge.
Physical Altercations
If you are involved in a fight or are assaulted, there is a chance that you will sustain a serious injury to the neck/ It really depends on the nature of the physical altercation. Be sure to seek medical attention afterward to have any injuries addressed.
Cervical Disc Degeneration
While degenerative disc disease is far more common in the lumbar region of the spine (the lower back), it can also occur in the neck. This is especially true if there is long term torquing and stress placed on the cervical vertebrae over time.
Treating Damage to Cervical Discs
There are many approaches to consider when it comes to addressing injuries to the cervical spine. These can all be considered and discussed in greater detail during the consultation process. Some patients may respond better to certain procedures than others, and the nature of the injury and its cause will often help determine the proper treatment options.
Learn More About Addressing Neck Pain and Injuries
For more information about treating neck pain and neck injuries, we encourage you to contact our advanced spine surgery center today. We will work closely with you to restore wellness and flexibility while alleviating pain.
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If you are struggling with pain, weakness, loss of function, or other symptoms of spinal complications, contact Dr. Tumialán's office today.
Spine-Talks Featuring Dr. Tumialán
