Question
I was the victim of a brodside("T"boned) accident on may 2 2005 the result was minor wiplash and back strain, after 5 hrs a day of physo, I starded to have leg pain and left major toe pain.  An MRI rieveled minor degenertave disk diese at L5S1, rule out left s1 root impimgement, mild central bulging and loss of disk height.  Multiplaner images was the  technique used, the MRI was performed December 12 2005.I have since developed numbness and tingling in my hands and feet, mostly on my right hand and left foot.  I have recieved an injection to my lower back to help stop the pain in my legs with minor success. My family docter has ordered a ECG be performed, is it  possable the car accident is the cause of the numbness. The impact of the MVA was great enough to total both the 1 tonn 2005 chev truck I was driving and the minivan that hit me.  the impact was focused on the drivers door.  

Answer
Chris,

You can discount the degenerative disc disease and loss of disc height; these are long-term effects that probably long-preceded the MVA.

The whiplash and back strain, however, would involve muscular contractions along the spine that can easily pull vertebrae close enough together to impinge upon nerve roots, causing tingling and numbness, worsening the disc condition.

The injection may alleviate discomfort, but does nothing to alleviate the condition creating the sensations: muscular contractions; the injections only hide the problem.

Please see the article on whiplash injuries at somatics.com/page4.htm for more explanation and options for recovery.

with regard,
Lawrence Gold