Question
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Followup To
Question -
if a person has a really bad fall, and it appears that there is a spinal injury, but nothing shows up on an X Ray or any other test. Does that Mean that the person doesnt have a spinal injury ? Get back to me as soon as possible please...
Thank you !
Answer -
Hi Sarah,
Thanks so much for your question.

The nervous system is very complex. Some back or neck injuries, such as whiplash, do not show up on an X-ray. Such injuries are not to the spinal cord itself but are nerve related and are not usually detectable by conventional X-ray. In these cases, an MRI may be needed.

I hope this helps and if you have any more questions, please feel free to ask me anytime.

Thanks again,
John McKinzie

Hiya, thank you, that really does help but what if nothing shows up on the MRI, does this mean there is not injury ?
Thank you  

Answer
Sarah,

No, not necessarily. Some nerve injuries do not show up on an MRI or a CAT scan. If you have not seen a neurologist yet, I would suggest it. If you have and you are not satisfied with his/her diagnosis and/or treatment, seek a second opinion.

Many back injuries, if not severe and do not require surgery, are treated with physical therapy and rest.

If you have any more questions, please don't hesitate to ask me again.

Thanks,
John McKinzie