When Injury Causes Curvature of the Spine

Severe spine curvature is a painful and debilitating condition that can greatly diminish an individual’s quality of life. While this complication can be caused by a wide range of congenital diseases, it may also occur when a person’s negligence causes injury to an innocent victim’s spine. Treatment is extensive, long-term, and expensive, but a successful personal injury claim can go a long way toward helping a victim secure the medical treatment he or she needs.

What is curvature of the spine?

Some spine curvature is completely normal, and even healthy spines gently curve in order to absorb the shock of everyday movements. Problems arise when the natural curve of the spine becomes deformed, causing it to move away from the center of the back. There are three general types of types of spine curvatures:

• This sideways curvature causes the spine to move into an S or C shape. It is the most common form of the condition. When this type of curvature is present, an individual may present with one shoulder higher than the other or uneven hips. Severe back pain and discomfort is often associated with scoliosis.
• This is an inward curvature of the lower back. An individual may appear to have a hollowed lower back, with pronounced buttocks. Fracturing or slippage of the vertebrae are conditions that commonly lead to lordosis. It can make movement in certain direction difficult and cause extensive back pain.
• This fairly common condition presents as a humped upper back that curves by at least 50 degrees. Individuals may experience weakness in the legs and back, with severe cases causing extreme pain.

Each of these conditions is degenerative, meaning that it can worsen with time. Spinal cord injury victims may experience increased deterioration of the spine and worsening loss of function. Because extensive spinal curvature may not be immediately apparent following an accident, it is important that a treating physician perform diagnostic measures that can identify the condition or potential for development of the condition in the future.

The Kentucky & Ohio medical malpractice lawyers of Crandall & Pera Law assist spine injury victims through some of the most difficult times in their lives. We serve clients throughout Ohio and Kentucky. To schedule a no obligation appointment, complete our contact form. You can also reach us by phone in Kentucky and in Ohio at 844-279-2889.