The spinal cord and the nerves that branch out toward the rest of the body are highly sensitive, so when damage or injury occurs, the sensations are often more than just pain, depending on the severity and location of the damage. Whether you have been involved in an accident or have noticed recurring pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness in your neck or back, it is strongly suggested that you see an experienced back doctor as soon as you can.
Injury or gradual wear and tear that affects your spinal cord or its nerve roots can have serious or even permanent consequences if they are not addressed. Schedule a thorough examination with the highly trained doctors at ProMedSPINE. Director Todd Gravori, MD and his team of spine and neurosurgeons are experts at treating spine conditions and offer a variety of treatments to alleviate pain and improve mobility. Please do not hesitate to contact our offices in Beverly Hills, Encino, and Valencia.
Causes of Spinal Cord and Nerve Damage
The bundle of nerves that run from the base of the skull to the low back and tail bone are protected by sturdy bones called the vertebrae that also help support the body and skeleton. However, the spine is also flexible and can wear down over time, become weakened by disease, or suffer injury in an accident. Common causes of damage to the spinal cord and nerve roots that branch out from the spine include:
- Degenerative disc disease
- Nerve compression
- Herniated disc
- Spinal stenosis
- Sports-related accidents
- Poor posture
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Repetitive motions
Learn more about the causes of nerve and spinal cord damage by visiting Mayo Clinic.
Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injuries
The spinal cord carries electrical signals to and from the brain that control how the body functions, such as the involuntary activities of the heart, the voluntary actions of the arms and legs, or even the sensations that are received when touching an object. If the nerves are damaged and the signals are delayed or blocked, the nerve pain can be excruciating.
Common symptoms include, but are not limited to the following:
- Acute pain
- Weakness
- Loss of muscle function
- Numbness or loss of sensations
- Bowel and/or urinary urgency and incontinence
- Difficulty walking or moving
- Loss of control of the bladder and bowels
- Difficulty breathing
- Tingling sensations in the neck, back, arms, legs, hands, or feet
Painful, uncomfortable sensations in the neck or back should never be ignored, especially if the symptoms are persistent or recurring. If you or someone you love is suffering from the symptoms of nerve and spinal cord damage, seek the advice of a qualified spine doctor.
Contact Los Angeles Back Specialists Today!
Pain and discomfort in the neck or back can be treated, but you must take the first step and call ProMedSPINE in Los Angeles. The renowned spine and neurosurgeons at our center specialize in alleviating a wide variety of conditions that affect the neck and back, such as nerve damage. Schedule a consultation today by calling 888-75-SPINE or submitting an online contact form and we will be in touch with you shortly.
Next, learn about disc diseases.