Spinal Cord Injury

Dr. Humble Finsand with Utah Spinal Care shares risk factors and symptoms of spinal injury.

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The following are factors that may increase your risk for a injury to the spinal cord.

Risk Factors

1. Female gender (weighing less than 130 lb)

2. History of neck injury

3. Head restraint below head’s center of gravity

4. History of prior injury from a Motor Vehicle Crash (MVC)

5. Rear End Collisions vs. other vector impacts

6. Use of seat belts/shoulder harness

7. Out-of-position occupant (e.g., leaning forward/slumped)

8. Having the head turned at impact

9. Non-awareness of impending impact

10. Increasing age (i.e., middle age and beyond)

11. Front vs. rear seat position

12. Impact by vehicle of greater mass

13. Crash speed under 10 mph

If you have been in an accident, watch for these symptoms which may be a sign you have experienced a spinal injury.

Common Symptoms After MVC

– Neck pain

– Headache

– Interscapular pain

– Back pain

– Paresthesiae

– Extremity pain/weakness

– Cognitive difficulties

– Dizziness/light-headedness

– Facial pain and TMJ related symptoms (clicking; closed lock; etc.)

– Auditory symptoms (tinnitus; loss of hearing)

– Vertigo

– Ocular dysfunction (blurred vision; photophobia)