Unfortunately, it is very common for victims of a Rockford auto accident to develop spinal cord compression. This type of Rockford spinal cord injury can be extremely debilitating and painful for patients to live with. Symptoms can worsen over time, and some may not even appear until several weeks following the accident.

Fortunately for those suffering from this condition, there are many treatment options available. Based upon the severity of your injury, your doctor may recommend any of the following:

• Corticosteroid drugs to relieve pressure
• Use of a soft collar to allow the muscles of the neck to rest and to limit motion
• Exercise regimen to improve neck strength and flexibility
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling and symptoms
• Epidural steroid injections to decrease pain and swelling
• Chiropractic therapy
• Physical therapy 
• Rehabilitation
• Spinal decompression surgery

In severe cases of spinal cord compression, surgery may be recommended. The various surgeries utilized for decompression include:

• Removing a portion of a disk to relieve pressure on nerves
• Removing either a small portion or all of the bony arches of the spinal canal
• Expanding the openings for nerves to exit the spinal cord by removing bone and other tissue
• Removing bony growths
• Removing the body of a vertebrae as well as the disks
• Fusing the vertebrae to stabilize the spine

These surgeries may be performed alone or as a combination of techniques. For information about spinal cord compression, contact an experienced Rockford spinal cord injury attorney for by filling out our online form or calling our office at (847) 651-7191.