Most people fear getting in major car accidents, but even minor ones can be frightening. While you may walk away from a minor accident and feel unharmed, you might be suffering from an injury that manifests symptoms later on. This article will explain the basics of why this happens.

Adrenaline and Shock

When in danger, our bodies automatically produce a chemical called adrenaline. During a traumatic event, adrenaline raises the heart rate, opens up the airways, and allows more blood to flow to your muscles as a defense mechanism. Adrenaline and shock numb the pain immediately after an accident, making it feel like you’re unharmed when you’re really suffering from a broken bone or an injured spine. You may be able to walk away from the accident, but the back and neck pain will reveal itself once the initial reaction wears off.

Compounded Injury

A common injury in rear-end accidents results when the head moves backward and then forward in quick succession. This is called whiplash , and may cause either slight neck pain or no pain at all. However, more symptoms may manifest as time goes on, turning minor neck pain into an excruciating ordeal. This is due to a compensation mechanism in your body that causes your posture to change in order to avoid the pain. As this puts extra strain on other parts of your body, it can exacerbate back and neck pain and eventually cause other muscular or spinal injuries.

If you’ve recently been in an accident, then it’s important to get your spine checked out as soon as possible. At the Spine Institute of Nevada , we practice some of the most advanced spine care techniques for lumbar, thoracic, and cervical ailments. If you’re experiencing even the slightest neck or back pain, then call (702) 239-3787 to set up an appointment with Dr. Perry.

Back pain has many causes and sometimes a person can have back pain with seemingly no cause. The spine is a complex structure responsible for supporting our structure and protecting the delicate networks of nerves we depend on to function. In some circumstances, problems may develop in the spine that could lead to back pain and other complications. Scoliosis is one such problem.

Scoliosis Defined

Scoliosis, in simplest terms, is a curvature of the spine to one side or the other. If scoliosis progresses, it can lead to twisting and warping of the entire spinal structure. Scoliosis is most commonly seen in teenage girls, although it can develop in either gender and at various ages.

The most common sign of scoliosis is a bent or leaning appearance of the posture; the curvature of the spine forces the body to that side. Other symptoms may include:

• An uneven waist or shoulders.
• Prominence of one shoulder blade as compared to the other.
• One raised hip.

Back pain may or may not be present in scoliosis, depending on the severity of the curvature and on how long the condition has been developing. Untreated scoliosis can lead to further complications, such as difficulty breathing as a result of increased pressure on one lung.

Treating Scoliosis

Most cases of scoliosis are mild and many only require careful monitoring to ensure the curvature does not worsen. Moderate to severe cases may require the use of a special brace or surgery to correct the spine. Every case is different, so the best course of action is always to consult with a qualified physician for personalized treatment.

If you suspect that you or a loved one may be suffering from scoliosis, then contact our offices at the Spine Institute of Nevada . We can diagnose your problem from back pain to scoliosis and get you on the proper treatment course for your individual needs. Call us to schedule an appointment at (702) 239-3787 .