Condition Lookup

Spinal Fractures

Specialty: Orthopedics and Rheumatology

Symptoms:
severe back pain; decreased mobility or movement; numbness or tingling in extremities; muscle weakness; loss of bowel or bladder control (in severe cases)

Root Cause:
Damage to the bones (vertebrae) of the spine due to trauma or injury, leading to fractures that can compress the spinal cord or nerves.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical examination. X-rays. MRI or CT scans (for more detailed images of soft tissues and bone fractures).

Treatment:
Conservative treatment (rest, pain management, bracing) for minor fractures. Surgical intervention (spinal fusion or decompression) for severe fractures or instability.

Medications:
Pain relievers such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (e.g., ibuprofen , naproxen ) for pain management. Muscle relaxants (e.g., cyclobenzaprine ) to alleviate muscle spasms. Opioids (e.g., oxycodone , morphine ) for severe pain under controlled conditions. Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone ) may be used in some cases to reduce inflammation, though this is less common for spinal fractures.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Estimated at 20 to 50 per 100,000 people annually, with higher rates in older populations and those with osteoporosis

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Age (older adults are more prone due to osteoporosis). High-impact trauma (e.g., car accidents, falls, sports injuries). Osteoporosis or other bone-weakening conditions. Tumors or infections affecting the spine.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally good if treated early and appropriately, especially in cases of stable fractures. Poorer outcomes in severe cases with spinal cord injury or nerve involvement, which may lead to permanent disability.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Spinal cord injury leading to paralysis. Nerve damage causing loss of sensation or motor function. Chronic pain and mobility issues. Infections or complications following surgery.

Whiplash

Specialty: Orthopedics and Rheumatology

Category: Spinal Disorders

Sub-category: Traumatic Injuries

Symptoms:
neck pain and stiffness; headaches (particularly at the base of the skull); dizziness or vertigo; muscle spasms in the neck and shoulders; tingling or numbness in the arms

Root Cause:
Injury to the soft tissues (muscles, ligaments) in the neck from a sudden, forceful jerking motion, often from rear-end car collisions.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical examination. X-rays or MRI scans (to rule out fractures or other injuries).

Treatment:
Rest and avoidance of activities that exacerbate pain. Physical therapy for neck strengthening and mobility. Application of heat or cold therapy. In severe cases, corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation.

Medications:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen to reduce pain and inflammation. Muscle relaxants (e.g., diazepam , cyclobenzaprine ) for muscle spasms. Opioids (e.g., hydrocodone ) for severe pain, though their use is typically limited to short-term management. Antidepressants or anticonvulsants (e.g., amitriptyline , gabapentin ) may be prescribed for chronic pain management.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Whiplash affects approximately 1 in 1,000 individuals per year, with a higher prevalence in rear-end automobile collisions.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Vehicle accidents (particularly rear-end collisions). Age (older individuals may be more susceptible). Gender (women are more likely to develop chronic whiplash symptoms). Previous neck or back injuries.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Most individuals recover within a few weeks to months with proper treatment. Chronic pain or long-term neck issues may occur in a subset of patients, particularly if not properly treated.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic neck pain. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Ongoing headache and dizziness. Nerve damage or chronic muscle spasms.

Spinal Cord Injury

Specialty: Orthopedics and Rheumatology

Category: Spinal Disorders

Sub-category: Traumatic Injuries

Symptoms:
paralysis (partial or complete) below the level of the injury; loss of sensation or feeling in the extremities; difficulty breathing (if the injury affects the respiratory muscles); loss of bowel or bladder control; severe pain or burning sensations around the injury site

Root Cause:
Damage to the spinal cord resulting in a loss of function, sensation, and mobility. This can occur due to trauma, such as a car accident, fall, or gunshot wound, that compresses, stretches, or cuts the spinal cord.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical and neurological examination. MRI or CT scans to assess the location and extent of spinal cord damage.

Treatment:
Immediate immobilization of the spine to prevent further damage. Surgery to remove bone fragments or discs compressing the spinal cord. Rehabilitation to maximize independence and mobility. Medications to manage pain and inflammation, such as corticosteroids (e.g., methylprednisolone)

Medications:
Corticosteroids (e.g., methylprednisolone ) within hours of injury to reduce inflammation and damage to the spinal cord. Pain relievers, including NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen ) and opioids (e.g., morphine ) for pain management. Muscle relaxants (e.g., baclofen ) for muscle spasms. Antidepressants or anticonvulsants (e.g., gabapentin ) for nerve pain.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects about 54 cases per million people annually. Approximately 17,000 new cases are reported in the U.S. each year.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Trauma (motor vehicle accidents, falls, sports injuries, violence). Age (young adults, particularly men, are more commonly affected). Pre-existing spinal conditions, such as stenosis or degeneration.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
The prognosis depends on the severity of the injury. Some individuals can recover partial function with rehabilitation, while others may experience permanent paralysis.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Respiratory complications (especially in high cervical injuries). Pressure sores or ulcers. Blood clots or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Chronic pain and neuropathic pain. Increased risk of infections due to immobility or catheter use.