LINCOLN CHIROPRACTOR- Car accidents
Part 3…..
He allotted 2 points to the lesion or loss of function of the anterior structure of the
spine, 2 points to the posterior structure and 4 points to the radiographic criteria, 3
points to the damage of the cauda equina and 2 points to intervertebral translation
observed at resting, flexion-extension radiographs and 2 points to the rotation at
the sagittal plane and has also allotted a point to dangerous loading on the spine.
5
LINCOLN CHIROPRACTOR- Car accidents
He concluded that, cases having a total of more than 5 points qualify for
clinical spinal instability.
While clinical instability is accompanied with lower back pain, stiffness or muscle
spasm or painful locking up of the spine, spinal impairment on the other hand is
associated with sensory and motor deficits. Based on the level of trauma and the
damage, various evaluation methods have been proposed. The Diagnosis Related
Estimates or the DRE, proposed by the American Medical Association is an
important guideline for evaluation. It focuses on etiology, radiculopathies, motion
segment alterations and disk herniations and stenosis of varying degrees. The
ROM method of assessment is an easy step by step guidance for assessment.
Measuring the range of motion of the affected spine is followed by classifying it
into a specific pathology and then followed by noting the nerve deficits. The
inference from all these is combined and a logical diagnosis is arrived.
The American Spinal Injury Association has graded the varying degrees of
spinal impairment. Grade A being the most severe, refers to a condition of
complete spinal injury with both motor and sensory deficits with loss of function in
S4 and S5. Grade B refers to incomplete spinal injury, where sensory function is
preserved and motor function is lost. Grade C refers to an incomplete spinal
injury, where the muscle grade is less than 3. Active movement of muscles with
full range of motion of joints against the gravity is preserved. In grade D motor
function below neural level is preserved and a muscle grade of more than 3 is
present, and grade E is a near normal condition with no possibility of a spinal
injury.
While, clinical instability does not involve sensory or motor deficits, it leads to
minor disabilities, which affect the activities of daily living. Chronic low back pain
with muscle guarding and unwillingness to attempt any unusual movement or
exercise has a negative impact on the quality of life. On the other hand, advanced
cases of spinal impairment pose greater threat to life and permanent disabilities.
LINCOLN CHIROPRACTOR- Car accidents
If you or someone you know has been in a car accident, call the office at 402-488-0288 to schedule your FREE consultation.
