The Schafer Law Office

Can Stenosis be Caused by a Car Accident?

Stenosis is the narrowing or tightening of the spinal canal. The Spinal canal is a long tunnel running through the center of the spine, which contains the spinal cord and the nerve roots. When this canal is narrowed, the spinal cord and the nerve roots may be compressed.

Doctors categorized the cause of Spinal Stenosis in two ways. It may be Primary, meaning a person has it since birth. Some people are born with narrower spinal canals than others, it may not present problems early in life but these people are more prone to acquire back pain later in life. The other category is Acquired, it is commonly a result of disease or injury to the spine. Acquired stenosis is more common compared to primary stenosis. The direct cause of acquired stenosis is "wear and tear" on the spine as a result of aging.

The symptoms that usually occur due to the compression of the spinal cord and nerves are:

• neck, shoulder, arm or hand pain
• weakness in the arms or legs
• lack of coordination and "clumsiness"
• imbalance when walking
• bladder or bowel incontinence

In cases of car accidents or falls that cause sudden force can result in serious and severe symptoms in a patient having a pre-existing stenosis. They were not in pain before the Kentucky automobile wreck, but the trauma of the auto accident has brought about the pain.  It is said that a dormant condition has been brought into disabling realty. As a Kentucky personal injury attorney I know that this onset of pain must be properly documented by your doctor to have a chance of collecting for your injuries.

There are non-surgical ways to manage spinal stenosis:

•  alternative treatment such as acupuncture or massage
•  easy exercises and swimming
•  good posture and proper body mechanics
•  the use of over-the-counter NSAIDs to reduce pain and inflammation such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen
•  chiropractic care
•  physical therapy
•  in severe cases, doctors may use as epidural steroid injection.

In some situation where the stenosis is not managed by non-surgical treatments, surgical procedure may be opted by the Physician.

When you are a victim of Kentucky car accident and you are already diagnosed of having a pre-existing Spinal Stenosis, do not wait to see your doctor. Immediately consult your Doctor to properly document your pain and medical consultation.