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6. TMJ

TMJ pain and abnormality can result from injury to the neck or cervical area caused by an accident or automobile collision. TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, which is a joint located just forward from the ears. Whiplash to the cervical area can affect the TMJ but the symptoms can be masked by cervical pain and a delay in symptoms and diagnose is often the case. TMJ is often perceived as jaw pain that is worsened when the patient opens and closes his mouth. The disc in the joint moves out of place with this motion and can cause pain and a “clicking” noise. Without treatment, the joint may deteriorate further and result in jaw “locking” episodes. Inflammation, a wearing down of the bone and ultimately degenerative arthritis may occur without quick and appropriate treatment. Symptoms also include moderate to severe pain and weakness in the jaw muscles, neck and shoulder muscles, headaches, sinus and facial pain. Treatment can include a combination of some of the following: muscle relaxers, relaxation techniques, exercise, orthodontic devices, physical therapy, injections, electrical nerve stimulation, EMG biofeedback, acupuncture and antihistamines. Some of these modalities may need to be practiced by the patient over his lifetime.

7. HEAD INJURIES

Persons injured in accidents or automobile collisions may suffer dome type of head injury. Head injuries are classified as mild, moderate or severe. Mild head injuries can include headaches, dizziness, irritability and some confusion. Moderate or severe head injuries can include symptoms of substantial neurological and neuropsychological problems. If head injury is suspected, a CAT scan and/or MRI may be performed. Concussions are common in accidents or automobile collisions. A concussion involves the “shaking up” of brain matter. Severe head injuries must be evaluated by a neurosurgeon, who can determine the need for surgery or other medical treatment. More mild head injuries may need evaluation and treatment from a neuropsychologist who can assist with complaints of memory loss, concentration problems, and attention deficits.

8. HERNIATED DISKS

Herniated disks in the spine can result from injury to the neck or cervical area, or mid to low back, caused by an accident or automobile collision. The spine is comprised of thirty-three vertebrae that are positioned from the top of the neck to the bottom of the spine, and include cervical, thoracic and lumbar vertebrae. Disks are located between each vertebrae and cushion the spinal column and allow for some slight movement between vertebrae. The disks or spinal cushions, are comprised of collagen fibers and water which form a cushy, gelatinous-like material. They are sometimes called the “shock absorbers” of the spine. As a result of injury sustained in accidents or automobile collisions, the disks can tear or rupture and then herniate. This irritates spinal nerves and may cause pain to the neck, low back, buttocks and thighs. The pain and disability may be effectively treated with conservative measures such as physical therapy, injections, anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxers, exercise, etc., but it may worsen and ultimately require spine surgery. Surgery would be used to decompress a nerve root, fuse and stabilize a painful and unstable joint, and reduce deformity such as scoliosis. It is used as a last resort when conservative measures fail, and there is the presence of either significant motor deficits or chronic or recurrent pain.

9. THORACIC OUTLET SYNDROME

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) is a bundle of symptoms that is caused by compression of the brachial plexus. The Thoracic Outlet is a passageway between the trunk and the arms on each side of the body. TO can result from injury to the neck, shoulder and back caused by an accident or automobile collision. Symptoms may include pain and numbness in the shoulder, hand and arm, coldness or extreme sensitivity to the hand, fingers turning pale or white; swelling, painful and stiff fingers. There are non-surgical and surgical treatments for TO. Usually nerve conduction studies are ordered to help diagnose the condition. Treatments may include physical therapy, heat, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, use of a sling, massage treatments, injections to the trigger points, rest, learning correct posture or relearning methods of performing work or activities, or avoidance or certain forms of work or activities.

10. CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) can result from injury caused by an accident or automobile collision. The Carpal tunnel is the space between the bones and tendons of the wrists through which the median nerve passes. The carpal tunnel is the narrow passageway for the median nerve to run from the arm to the hand, and it is not much bigger around than the size of an average thumb. The median nerve is the main nerve to the hand. It runs from the forearm to the hand. CTS results when the nerve is compressed and causes numbness, pain and weakness to the hand. Pain may radiate from the wrist up the arm all the way to the shoulder, or it may radiate down into the palm or fingers. Weakness in the hands can occurs which causes a tendency to drop objects and problems with pinch and grip. Initial treatment modalities include rest, use of a splint to immobilize the wrist, and applying ice to the wrist. Medicines such as anti-inflammatories may be used as well. If conservative treatment does not effectively resolve the symptoms, then surgery may be utilized to reduce the pressure around the wrist to allow the median nerve to move more freely and to reduce the pressure on the nerve. This is called “carpal tunnel release” surgery. Following surgery, physical therapy and massage to the wrist is often recommended. It is rare for symptoms to recur, but they sometimes do.