Motor vehicle accidents can cause a wide range of spine injuries, from minor soft tissue strains to significant disc herniations and fractures. Whether you were recently injured in an accident or have persistent symptoms from a prior collision, our spine clinic provides thorough evaluations and evidence-based treatment. We serve patients throughout Parker, Lone Tree, and the Denver metro area, including those referred by attorneys, insurance carriers, and lien companies.
Common Spine Injuries from Motor Vehicle Accidents
The forces involved in a motor vehicle collision can injure multiple structures in the spine. Common injuries we evaluate include:
Cervical strain and whiplash, caused by rapid acceleration-deceleration forces that stress the muscles, ligaments, and facet joints of the neck.
Cervical disc herniations, which can result from traumatic loading of the spine and may cause neck pain with arm numbness, tingling, or weakness. [Internal link: Learn more about cervical radiculopathy]
Lumbar disc herniations, which can occur from compressive or rotational forces during impact and may cause low back pain with leg symptoms. [Internal link: Learn more about lumbar radiculopathy]
Facet joint injuries in the cervical or lumbar spine, which can cause localized pain and stiffness that persists long after the initial injury.
Ligamentous injuries and spinal instability in more severe collisions.
Compression fractures or other bony injuries, particularly in higher-energy accidents.
Our Evaluation Process
We perform comprehensive spine evaluations that document the mechanism of injury, current symptoms, functional limitations, and examination findings. Our evaluations include:
Detailed history of the accident including vehicle speeds, point of impact, use of seatbelts and airbags, position in the vehicle, and immediate symptoms.
Review of emergency room records, imaging studies, and prior treatment notes.
Thorough physical examination including range of motion, palpation, neurologic assessment, and provocative testing.
Review and interpretation of imaging including X-rays, CT scans, and MRI.
Assessment of causation, relating current findings to the mechanism of injury when supported by the clinical picture.
Clear documentation suitable for insurance review, independent medical examination, and legal proceedings.
Treatment Options
For patients undergoing active treatment, we offer the full spectrum of conservative and interventional spine care:
Physical therapy referrals with specific protocols for post-traumatic spine injuries.
Medication management for pain and muscle spasm.
Diagnostic and therapeutic injections including epidural steroid injections, facet joint injections, and medial branch blocks. [Internal link: Learn more about epidural steroid injections] [Internal link: Learn more about facet joint injections]
Radiofrequency ablation for patients with confirmed facet-mediated pain. [Internal link: Learn more about radiofrequency ablation]
Surgical consultation when indicated for disc herniations, instability, or other structural problems that fail to improve with conservative care.
Medical-Legal Evaluations
We provide independent medical evaluations for attorneys, insurance carriers, and lien companies. Our reports include:
Summary of records reviewed.
History and physical examination findings.
Diagnosis with ICD-10 coding.
Opinion on causation and relationship to the accident.
Assessment of treatment to date and future treatment recommendations.
Discussion of maximum medical improvement when applicable.
Reports are thorough, objective, and defensible, with conclusions supported by the medical evidence and clinical findings.
Referring a Patient
Lien companies can refer patients by contacting our office directly. We accept letters of protection and work with most lien arrangements. Please provide available medical records and imaging at the time of referral to expedite scheduling.
Schedule an Evaluation
If you were injured in a motor vehicle accident and are experiencing neck or back pain, we can help determine the cause of your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment. Contact our office to schedule an evaluation https://neckandbacks.com/#contact