Car Accidents, Herniated Discs, and Spinal Traction

 Car Accidents, Herniated Discs, and Spinal Traction

Car accidents are a leading cause of spinal injuries in the United States. Even at lower speeds, the impact force can place extreme stress on the spine. The sudden jolting and shifting often causes injuries that may not be immediately obvious. One common spinal injury after a crash is a herniated disc. Dr. Deryk Harting, a patient favorite at one of the highest rated car accident medical doctor care programs in Florida, discusses car accidents, herniated discs, and spinal traction.

The spine provides support to the body and protects the spinal cord. Another role of the spine is to allow for movement and flexibility. When a vehicle suddenly stops or forcefully changes direction, the spine can be whipped forward, backward, or twisted. This excessive motion can strain or compress the spine. The vertebrae may also shear against one another and damage the soft tissue between them. Spinal discs sit between the vertebrae in the spine. They are cushion-like structures with a soft center (nucleus pulposus) and a tougher outer layer (annulus fibrosus). Discs distribute pressure, allow for smooth spinal movement, support weight, and act as a cushion.

A herniated disc, also called a slipped or ruptured disc, occurs when the soft center of the disc pushes out through a tear in the outer layer of the annulus. This can press on the spinal cord and/or exiting nerves and cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness. The symptoms depend on where the disc is herniated. In the neck, it may cause symptoms down the arm, while in the lower back, it may affect the legs.

Herniated discs are associated with degeneration but are also the result of trauma like a car collision. The excessive impact forces experienced during an accident can cause a disc to rupture suddenly. For some people, the pain begins immediately. In others, symptoms may develop over days or sometimes weeks later.

Spinal traction is a conservative treatment used to relieve pressure on the spine. It works by gently stretching the spine to reduce compression on the discs, joints, and nerves. This can create more space between the vertebrae, allowing a herniated disc to move back towards the center or reduce nerve irritation.

There are two main types of spinal traction:

1. Manual traction: A therapist or doctor uses their hands to stretch the spine.
2. Mechanical traction: A device applies a controlled pulling force to the spine while the patient lies down.

Traction is often used in chiropractic and physical therapy settings. It can reduce pain, improve mobility, and support healing. While it may not completely “fix” a herniated disc, it can manage symptoms and may help avoid potential surgery.

Most herniated discs improve with conservative modalities like chiropractic care, therapeutic exercise, rest, and traction. However, a surgical consultation may be necessary if:

• Pain is severe and does not improve
• There is significant weakness in the arms or legs
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Diagnostic imaging shows severe compression of a nerve or the spinal cord
• Common surgeries include discectomy (removal of the damaged part of the disc) or spinal fusion in more severe cases.

In addition to spinal traction, patients may also benefit from:

• Chiropractic care: For improved spinal mobility, posture correction, and pain reduction
• Physical therapy: To increase muscular strength, endurance, flexibility, and function
• Anti-inflammatory medications: To reduce swelling and pain
• Epidural steroid injections: To relieve inflammation around nerve roots
• Radiofrequency ablation: To decrease pain by disrupting nerve signals from injured areas
• Heat or cold therapy: For symptom management

Herniated discs from car accidents are painful and possibly debilitating. Every patient’s condition is unique and a comprehensive evaluation by a licensed medical professional or spinal surgeon is essential to determine the best treatment plan. Spinal traction is one option that may provide relief without surgery. If you have been in a crash and are suffering from neck or back pain, do not wait. Seek care from a qualified medical provider to be evaluated for any potential injury.

— This article is written by Deryk Harting, DC, one of the members of Chambers Medical Group’s team of car accident chiropractors who offer a variety of treatments and therapies ranging from diagnostic testing to various soft tissue therapies for car accidents and injuries in Florida.