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Spine Trauma in Bakersfield & Newport Beach

Injury and trauma to the spine can be some of the most dangerous possible, but modern spinal medicine can prevent much of the effects. In many cases, the right spinal surgeon or neurosurgeon can restore a damaged spine to health. If you or someone you know is dealing with the aftereffects of spine trauma in Bakersfield or Newport Beach, Paragon Health Group is ready to help.

What Is Spine Trauma?

Spine trauma is a blanket term to refer to injury or damage to the spinal cord, spinal column, or the bones that surround the spinal cord itself. For minor cases, this may be as mild as a fracture or strain on a disc. However, in more severe cases, such as with auto collisions or extreme sports accidents, it can result in tearing or breaking the spinal cord itself. While the spine is a highly resilient structure, it is not immune to damage and demands immediate care if it is the site of any traumatic injury.

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Common Causes of Spine Trauma

While some activities place individuals are higher risk of spinal trauma, no part of the population is immune. Some of the most common causes include auto collisions and sports injuries. However, we have also treated patients with spinal trauma from everyday falls, violence, infections, and birth injuries.

Patients who have bone diseases (such as osteoporosis) or spinal conditions may be at an increased risk for spinal trauma. We recommend that these patients avoid more extreme activities such as sports, trampolines, and diving. In short, the less safe an activity is, the greater the risk of sustaining an injury not only to the spine but to any part of the body.

Signs You Have Spinal Trauma

Spinal trauma exists on a continuum, ranging from mild injuries that can readily be treated to more extreme damage that may be beyond repair. However, with medical advances, the latter category continues to shrink, with more and more patients seeing positive results from care. If you think you have any of the below symptoms of spinal injury, then we recommend visiting Paragon Health Group as soon as possible.

Numbness in the hands or feet
Tingling or loss of sensation in hands and feet
Sudden or gradual-onset paralysis
Pain along the spinal cord or in the head
Loss of mobility

However, these are not an exhaustive list, and spinal injuries can present in a number of ways. If you have sustained an injury, we always recommend seeing a specialist to rule out any permanent damage.

How Do We Treat Spinal Injuries?

Treatment for spinel trauma varies, depending on the part of the spine affected and the severity of the injury. Physical therapy and surgery are two of the most effective ways of restoring spinal health after an injury, but they might not be successful in all situations. In cases where there is limitation or loss of mobility, patients may benefit from the use of assistive devices, such as braces, wheelchairs, or walkers.

What Will the Results Be of Spinal Trauma Treatment?

In an ideal situation, patients will be able to retain full mobility and functionality of the spine. However, every case is different and spinal injuries are some of the most difficult to address, due to the involvement of the nervous system. During your consultation, your surgeon will go over your individual case, including what your expected outcomes might look like. We aim to provide realistic estimates of what results can be attained through your treatment plan, neither sugarcoating nor being pessimistic about the outcome. We happily answer all questions to the best of our ability, so you can be fully informed about your situation and prognosis.

Preventing the Injury to the Spine

The best way to prevent spinal injury is to avoid high-risk activities such as extreme sports or activities. Practicing defensive driving and following all rules of the road are two ways to reduce your risk of having an auto collision as well. Lastly, if you have any condition or disease that affects the density of your bones or their overall health, then seeking treatment for those conditions can be an excellent preventative measure.

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Spinal injuries can change lives if untreated, but the good news is that the right treatment can also change one’s life for the better. Paragon Health Group and its leading spinal surgeons are here to provide timely care for all manner of spine trauma in Newport Beach and Bakersfield.