Radicular vs Mechanical Pain After An Accident

There are many nuances to auto accidents, but there is one thing you can always expect; pain! Whether your auto accident is severe or mild, one car or more, pain in some fashion is to be expected. Of course, pain can vary in intensity, location and even type. Today, we’re going to talk about the differences between Radicular vs Mechanical pain after an auto accident.

Radicular Pain

What is Radicular pain?

Radicular pain after an auto accident occurs when there is compression of the spinal nerve roots which are located all along the spine placed between each vertebrae. This type of pain is called Radicular because it radiates down nerve pathways. In other words, this type of pain, although the origin is localized in the spine, the pain can spread down limbs.

What does Radicular Pain Feel Like?

Radicular pain can be felt in the back, neck, or down any limbs. Radicular pain is associated with sharp or burning sensations as opposed to a dull ache, and it tends to come in waves. This type of pain can also bring numbness or tingling to the limbs. So after an accident, if you’re feeling sharp or intense waves of pain down your legs or around your arms, it’s important to consider the possibility of a serious injury to the spine, such as a herniated disk or spinal stenosis which are causing radicular pain.

Treatment for Radicular Pain

If you are experiencing sharp pains, numbness, or tingling in the arms and legs after an auto accident, it is crucial to seek medical care right away. A medical professional will assess your pain, and draw up treatment plans. Anti-inflammatory or epidural shots are a great way to help reduce swelling and pain in the body. Physical therapy is also a great way to get mobility back in the core area, or to any affected limbs.

Mechanical Pain

What is Mechanical Pain?

Mechanical pain after an auto accident happens due to injury of the spine, but can also come from injury to the surrounding area including muscles, ligaments, or joints. This type of pain is more localized, so finding where in the body caused the pain in the first place can be easier to spot. Although it may be easier to pinpoint the location of the pain, that doesn’t mean the pain is any less uncomfortable than radicular.

What does Mechanical Pain Feel Like?

Opposed to radicular pain, where pain is burning and sharp that can spread across the body, mechanical pain radiates a deep ache in the affected area. This can feel like a throbbing in the back or neck, or even cause an unforgiving soreness. Arguably, the worst part about mechanical pain is that it is almost always worsened by physical activity. So getting daily chores done, or coaching soccer practice might have to be on hold until treatment begins.

What Does Treatment For Mechanical Pain Look Like?

When it comes to mechanical pain, treatments tend to be very minimally invasive. Your medical care professional will suggest a lot of rest, and relaxation! Moving around too much will irritate your body and cause lots of inflammation. Physical Therapy is also a great way to safely but effectively get some relief for aches or stiffness. Lastly, chiropractic care is a popular treatment for mechanical pain.

Don’t Wait, Call Us!

If you or a loved one recently suffered an auto accident and are experiencing stiffness and aching, or sharp pains around the back or limbs, please give our team at Impact Medical Dade City a call! You don’t have to suffer through pain, alone! Our goal is to find you a pain management treatment that is effective and works for you and your lifestyle. Give us a call at 813-706-5156 and let our team help you take the first steps on your healing journey.