What is spondylosis?

It is a degeneration of the spine. Usually this degeneration is a symptom of age. As we get older, our bits and pieces tend to wear out. That includes our bones, ligaments, tendons. Otherwise known as your soft and connective tissues. This also includes the cartilage that comprise the “discs” that cushion the bones of our vertebrae or spinal cord. Which include the cartilage tissues that protect our spine’s joints.

A very common injury we see with people who have spondylosis, is Degenerative Disc Syndrome. This is where the disc that sits between your joints, is worn out, thin, and unable to absorb shocks that hit your spine.

Spondylolisthesis is specific form of spondylosis. When one of your vertebra (the bones in your spinal cord), slips from its position. Again, this is usually age related. But, it can also be caused by other factors. Most importantly, trauma suffered in a car accident can cause this.

Your spinal cord is a single column of vertebrae stacking up. If one of these vertebrae slips out, and is out of alignment, serious problems may follow. You may experience symptoms, some of which are painful. Back pain, stiffness, possible tingling and numbness in the back and legs.

These symptoms may worsen, and worst of all, you may lose your bladder or bowel control.

Treatment for Spondylosis or spondylolisthesis

Treatment is similar to those for other back pain. Strengthening of back muscles may be required. Surgery is the last resort. Only to be used in extreme situations.

Stabilizing the spine with exercises help. These will also strengthen back and abdominal muscles.

There are pain medications that can help you control pain and muscle spasms.

Your doctor may prescribe a back brace, or even a corset to reduce the pain.

Spondylosis or spondylolisthesis and your San Diego Car Accident

So how does spondylosis affect your accident claim? Well, you will have to show that your injuries were not just normal age related injuries, but were caused by someone else. To do this we would have to show that you did not suffer these injuries before the accident, and that they were indeed caused by the accident and not just age related symptoms.

There are many ways to do this, so make sure you contact our car crash law firm.