Herniated Discs from Car Accidents

Herniated Discs from Car Accidents


What is a Herniated Disc?

The nerves can become affected by a herniation at the lumbar spine disc. This can lead to radiating discomfort. A disc, a fluid-filled circular shape between your vertebrae in your spine, is called a disc. Your spine cushions are provided by intervertebral Discs. A disc protects your spine from injuries and helps to absorb stress.

The spine is connected to a large network of nerves, which transmit sensations such as numbness and discomfort throughout the body. They are very close to the spine, nerves and are therefore vital for the health of your entire nervous systems. Nerves allow you to communicate with other parts of your body by moving from your spinal column to your brain. A properly made disc should not pinch or contact nearby nerves. Herniation is caused by pressure being forced from the disc.

Can a car accident cause herniated discs?

A herniated spine is caused by the impact of a car collision. One of your vertebrae (bones on the spine) may push into your spinal cavity. If this happens, it can compress, put pressure or cause irritation to your spinal cord. This bundle of nerves carries messages from the brain to various parts in your body.

How to take care of a herniated disc from a car accident

The discs that cushion your spine and back are small. After disc injury, it is common to have bulges or herniates. As well as the normal wear and tear of aging, an injured or degenerative disc can lead to a herniated spine. Herniated discs may cause leg pain and numbness, or back pain, when they press on a nerve.

Rest, medication, exercise, and rest can all help to heal herniated spines. Some cases may require a surgical procedure. If the person suffering from a slipped distal has lost bladder control or bowel control, is unable to move their legs or has weakness, dial 911.

STEP 1. TREAT THE PAIN

In order to alleviate immediate discomfort, you can adjust your posture or change your position. Some people find that lying on their backs with their legs bent at a 90-degree angle and their feet elevated on a chair is a comfortable position. Do not apply a cold compression for more than 20 minutes at once. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory medications (including Motrin/Aleve/Advil/Naprosyn) can be used.

STEP 2: LET THE PATIENT REST

Do not stay still for more then a day. You should get back to work as soon after you are fully recovered. It is best to avoid lifting or pushing.

STEP 3 CONSULT WITH A DOCTOR

All slipped discs must be evaluated.

STEP 4. FOLLOW UP TREATMENTS

The doctor may recommend the use of injections of anti-inflammatory drugs, pain relievers, and muscle relaxants. A common time frame for improvement is six weeks. If the back is in poor health, back surgery may be required.

There are 3 signs that a herniated disc is present you should be aware of

If your disc in your spine bulges/ tears, you could feel pain in your back or legs. Below are three signs that your lower back pain is caused by a bulging, herniated disc.

PAIN WHEN SLEEPING

According to some estimates, sitting places a significant strain on your lower spinal discs. Your lower back pain can worsen if your bulging or herniated disc becomes more visible.

PAIN RADIATING THE DOWN YOUR EG (SCIATICA)

A bulging or herniated disc in the lower back is most commonly located at or near the nerve root, which can either be found in the posterior (back), side (side) or middle (back). These nerve roots can be affected by either one or both the techniques described below.

Direct compression The spinal nerve root exits through the spinal canal.

Chemical irritation. If chemical irritants leak out of a herniated disc, irritation and inflammation may occur.

This affects the ability of the damaged nerve roots to function. You will feel burning pains, numbness or weakness along your front and/or rear thighs, legs, and/or feet. Sciatica is the term for these symptoms. Sciatica usually affects one leg at the time.

SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES THAT AGGRAVATE PAIN

Certain activities can cause lower back pain and/or sciatica. Inflammation of the lumbar discs can cause pain that is intense and rapid. Pain is more often caused by a combination or multiple factors than one specific injury. However, it seems like the pain came out of nowhere.

The majority of the time, this illness does not pose a threat to your life. However, it can cause severe pain. A disc herniation is a condition in which almost 90% of the patients do not experience pain within six weeks.

What are the other causes for herniated discs

Although there are many reasons for a herniated spine, the most common is when your intervertebral cushion (the space between your vertebrae) bursts or becomes bulging. This disc can take up more space than it needs, which can lead to severe pain.

TEAR AND WEAR THE SPINE

Herniated discs can be caused by both spinal strain and everyday wear and tear. Another term for this is “degeneration”.

The intervertebral spines in the back distribute and support our weight. Additionally, they absorb movement-induced injuries (such as walking or twisting and bending). Because our discs allow us to move so well, they might wear out. A disc could bulge (or herniate) when the outer annulus fibrous layer begins to deteriorate. This allows for the nucleus pulposus (inner jelly-like) to push through.

INJURY

Injury may cause herniated or ruptured discs. For example, a disc might herniate after an automobile accident. This is because the disc is subject to too much pressure. The incorrect lifting of heavy objects or excessive twisting can cause disc herniation.

A COMBINATION DEGENERATION/INJURY

Herniated discs can occur due to trauma to the intervertebral and wear and tear (degeneration). You may find that your disc has become too weak to allow for even small incidents to cause a herniated. The most common cause of disc herniation is sneezing. While it may not seem like sneezing is harmful, if you already have weak discs, sneezing could trigger herniation.

What to do after a car accident if you have a herniated disc

These are the steps to follow if you’ve suffered a herniated disc from a car collision.

  • Examine immediately. A herniated spine can be treated by proper diagnosis and medical treatment. The sooner the person seeks treatment, the better their chance of recovering and ruling out permanent damage. As an injury attorney, I recommend to people that they get medical care as soon as possible. That way they can return to their normal lives and make a full recovery. You should also make sure your doctor diagnoses any potential more serious injury immediately. One example is disc extrusion, which can result in permanent spinal cord injury.
  • To determine if your herniated disc is present, get medical treatment. A doctor cannot treat you until you know the reason for your symptoms. The proper diagnostic testing will enable you to be prescribed the best treatment and make the necessary referrals. A herniated disc will not be found on an x-ray taken at an emergency department or doctor’s offices.
  • If you have a herniated or ruptured disc from a car accident, it is better to document the issue early. This will help avoid future problems with insurance companies. Your injury can be documented early, either in the emergency department or by your family doctor. If you do have a more severe injury, it is important to document the early symptoms. This will allow you to avoid many problems associated with an insurance company refusing to pay medical treatment and denying that there was a causal relationship. If you receive treatment early and have medical documentation, it is more likely that your insurance company will cover your medical costs.
  • A clear relationship between the collision with the treatment of a condition or injury and its documentation is important for your lawyer in obtaining a fair and just legal settlement. You will not be able to recover quickly and get your injuries under control if you delay in getting treatment or leave out important medical documentation. This makes it harder for your lawyer and insurers to pay your bills and ultimately, your ability to receive a fair settlement for your pain and suffering.
  • Don’t attempt to “tough out” this injury. If you don’t get medical treatment immediately, this can lead to permanent pain and disability. I’ve seen it happen many times as an injury lawyer. People feel they don’t have to “complain.” But, in a matter of days or weeks, what they thought would become a minor injury that would resolve quickly becomes a much more serious injury. This injury is like a ticking time bomb in your back. If more disc material protrudes from your annulus or disc fragments press into your spinal canal, it could become even more serious.
  • A lawyer who is skilled in helping victims of car accidents will be able to help you. The majority of experienced lawyers can help people with a herniated spine after a car crash. The initial call to your insurance company will be free. You will also be informed about what your rights are regarding medical care and wage loss. An attorney will be able to help you review all of your medical records and help you determine what your case is worth in the event that your disability or pain was caused by negligence or carelessness.
  • You should inform your auto insurer about the herniated spine after a car wreck. If you live in Michigan make sure that this is included in your application for No Fault benefits. It’s also called your “written note of injury” and must be provided to your No fault auto insurance company “within a year after the accident.”
  • Do not sign any settlements. Releases or waivers related to your crash.

What if I had a bad neck or back before the accident?

A Disc Herniation after a Car Accident can be aggravated or re-injured.

As we age, our discs become less hydrated and more susceptible to injury. This is called disc degradation and it is common with the aging process. disc degeneration causes the disc to become less flexible and more likely to burst or herniate as a result of trauma such as a car accident.

The law stipulates that the plaintiff is taken as he is by the defendant. This legal theory is often referred to as the Eggshell Doctrine. This means that if a plaintiff has a fractured spine from an accident, and the defendant hits her in a car accident, causing more pain and spinal problems for her, the defendant may be liable for aggravating or reinjuring the disc herniation.

If the car accident case involving herniated discs does not settle before trial, the jury will be asked for an evaluation of the plaintiff’s damages. The jury will then allocate damages that are related to the car accident. If the jury is unable or unwilling to assign pain and suffering due to pre-existing disc injuries, the jury can award all of the suffering and pain resulting from the car accident.

This is a complex legal topic. Let’s see an example. Johnny can be considered to have a preexisting disc herniation if he has a cervical disc herniation that is C5-6 in his neck.

Johnny can sue Billy for more cervical pain and aggravation from his preexisting disc herniation if he’s then rear-ended in an auto accident by Billy.

A jury will be asked to determine how much Johnny’s pain, suffering, and other factors are worth taking into consideration. If the jury cannot determine the difference in Johnny’s pain levels before and after the accident, there are many options that allow Johnny to be awarded his full damages.

Frequently Asked questions about herniated discs after car accidents

WHERE CAN YOU GET A HERNIATED DISC?

You might develop a herniated spine in your neck, lower back (thoracic), or mid-back. The most common signs of axial discomfort are in your medical records. Axial discomfort only affects the neck and lower back.

WHAT IS A CLAIM INVOLVING HERNIATED DISC WORTH?

Sometimes it can be difficult to determine the amount of a herniated-disc claim. The value of a herniated cervical disc claim depends on many factors. A cervical herniated-disc injury claim can be valued by considering the following components:

  • Accident severity;
  • How severe and what type of injury it was
  • What type of treatment is necessary for herniated Discs?
  • Information about the victim’s medical history, and their age
  • The doctors provide a prognosis.
  • You can suffer pain and suffering as well as non-economic losses (loss or enjoyment of your life);
  • The amount of insurance coverage and who was at fault.

Your injury claim may be affected if you have a pre-existing condition. Because of preexisting conditions, insurance companies are likely to undervalue or dismiss injury claims involving a herniated or injured disc from an accident.

Some argue that because you have a particular medical condition, are an older person, or have had a cervical spine accident, you should be compensated less than someone who does not have any such variables.

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE PAYOUT PER HERNIATED DISC?

A herniated spinal disc can cause severe injuries, as well as a lengthy recovery time. You could be eligible to receive compensation. Average settlements for herniated spines are $360,000. Median range is $65,000.

Disc herniation occurs in the majority of workplace accidents and automobile accidents. Any responsible party, including the at-fault driver, could face criminal sanctions. Individuals who are in an accident at work can receive workers’ compensation benefits through their employer’s insurance. Compression can lead to serious injuries that require immediate medical attention.

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Kevin Pauza, M.D.

SPECIALTY

  • Disc Biologics
  • Interventional Spine

EDUCATION & DEGREES

  • Fellowship: Interventional Spine, University of Pennsylvania
  • Residency: PM&R, University of Pennsylvania
  • Internship: Surgery & Medicine, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons
  • Medical Doctorate: Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine
  • Bachelor of Arts: Biology, Lehigh University
  • Bachelor of Arts: Psychology, Lehigh University

CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSES

  • Texas State Medical and Surgical License
  • New York State Medical and Surgical License
  • Florida State Medical and Surgical License

HONORS

  • Lehigh University Four-year Academic Scholarship
  • Magna Cum Laude, Lehigh University
  • Lehigh University President’s Award
  • Lehigh University Tower Society
  • Distinguished Alumnus, Penn State University (selected from 500,000 Penn State alumni)
  • North American Spine Society, Outstanding Paper of the Year, 2003
  • President-Elect, International Spine Intervention Society
  • Founding Partner, Texas Spine and Joint Hospital
  • Commencement Speaker: Penn State University College of Medicine
  • Advisory Board, AMA
    Keynote Speaker, Harvard Pain Center Commencement
  • Founding Chairman, Standards Committee, International Spine Intervention Society
  • Chairman, Spine Committee, Amercian Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
  • Appointed Spine Advisor, Japanese Prime Minister
  • Appointed Spine Advisor, Allied Royal Families

EXPERIENCE

  • Founding Partner & Principal, Texas Spine & Joint Hospital

Travis Foxx, M.D. - Premier Anesthesiology & Pain

Kevin Pauza, M.D. - Turtle Creek Surgery Center

Prior to attending Penn State University, Dr. Pauza earned his undergraduate degree from Lehigh University, and furthered his training with a Surgical and Medical Internship at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. He continued his specialty training at the University of Pennsylvania, followed by an Interventional Spine Fellowship. In addition to his research, philanthropic, and clinical endeavors, Dr. Pauza remains a motivated educator. He established a Spine Fellowship program and continues training physicians from around the world. He heads international committees responsible for establishing standards and educating surgical and non-surgical physicians.

After helping hundreds of patients who failed to experience relief after spine surgery, it became evident to Dr. Pauza that current methods needed to change. This motivated him to seek better ways to help patients, by thinking outside the box.

Dr. Pauza is the first physician in history to pursue FDA approval for using biologics to treat the spine. Millions of patients will benefit from his development of minimally invasive treatments for degenerative disc disease and other more common and serious disorders of the spine.

SPECIALTY

  • Disc Biologics
  • Interventional Spine

EDUCATION & DEGREES

  • Fellowship: Interventional Spine, University of Pennsylvania
  • Residency: PM&R, University of Pennsylvania
  • Internship: Surgery & Medicine, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons
  • Medical Doctorate: Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine
  • Bachelor of Arts: Biology, Lehigh University
  • Bachelor of Arts: Psychology, Lehigh University

CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSES

  • Texas State Medical and Surgical License
  • New York State Medical and Surgical License
  • Florida State Medical and Surgical License

HONORS

  • Lehigh University Four-year Academic Scholarship
  • Magna Cum Laude, Lehigh University
  • Lehigh University President’s Award
  • Lehigh University Tower Society
  • Distinguished Alumnus, Penn State University (selected from 500,000 Penn State alumni)
  • North American Spine Society, Outstanding Paper of the Year, 2003
  • President-Elect, International Spine Intervention Society
  • Founding Partner, Texas Spine and Joint Hospital
  • Commencement Speaker: Penn State University College of Medicine
  • Advisory Board, AMA
    Keynote Speaker, Harvard Pain Center Commencement
  • Founding Chairman, Standards Committee, International Spine Intervention Society
  • Chairman, Spine Committee, Amercian Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
  • Appointed Spine Advisor, Japanese Prime Minister
  • Appointed Spine Advisor, Allied Royal Families

EXPERIENCE

  • Founding Partner & Principal, Texas Spine & Joint Hospital

Brandon Tolman, D.O. - Nashville Spine Institute

Boris Terebuh, M.D. - Regenerative Spine & Joint Center

Boris Terebuh, MD specializes in providing personalized nonsurgical solutions for spine problems that interfere with the function patients desire and the independence they deserve. Dr. Terebuh completed his Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation residency training at The Ohio State University in 1997 and has been in solo practice in Ohio since 2001 because he is committed to providing accessible, individualized and attentive care to his patients. His regenerative approach to solving spine problems enhances the body’s natural ability to heal itself. His guiding principle is integrity – doing what is right for patients in a conscientious manner with the motivation of helping them become fully functional, independent and satisfied. Dr. Terebuh is a very unique Medical Doctor because he has earned seven Board Certifications in the field of musculoskeletal medicine and nonsurgical spine care. Boris Terebuh, MD is delighted to be a Discseel® provider because this revolutionary new technology aligns perfectly with his preferred regenerative treatment approach and patient care philosophy. Dr. Terebuh is also grateful to Discseel® developer, Kevin Pauza, MD, for all the years of diligent and meticulous research to create this innovative, paradigm-shifting intervention, which will certainly spare countless individuals the prospect of avoidable spine surgical procedures.

Thierry Bonnabesse, M.D. - Champlain Spine and Pain Management

Gregory Lutz, M.D. - Regenerative Sportscare Institute

Dr. Gregory Lutz is the Founder and Medical Director of the Regenerative SportsCare Institute (RSI). In addition, he currently serves as Physiatrist-In-Chief Emeritus at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) and a Professor of Clinical Rehabilitation Medicine at Weill Medical College of Cornell University. Dr. Lutz is one of the world’s leading experts in the field of regenerative interventional orthopedic medicine, appearing annually on Castle Connolly’s and New York Magazine’s “Top Doctors” lists.

Janet Pearl, M.D. - The Boston Stem Cell Center

Dr. Janet Pearl has been in practice since 1999 and is the Medical Director of The Boston Stem Cell Center. She is also the Medical Director of  Complete Spine and Pain Care  an interventional integrated Pain Management practice, both located in Framingham, Massachusetts. Dr. Pearl is Triple Board Certified in Regenerative Medicine, Pain Medicine and Anesthesiology and has over 20 years experience in doing these procedures.

Previously, Dr. Pearl was the Co-Director of the Pain Management Center at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center, where she was also the Director of the Pain Management Fellowship program.

After graduating from Harvard College with an A.B. in Applied Mathematics with Economics, Dr. Pearl received a M.Sc. in Health Planning and Financing at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. She then received her M.D. from the Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons, where she represented the Medical School as a senator in the Columbia University Senate.

Watch Dr Pearl give an introduction to The Boston Stem Cell Center

Dr. Pearl completed her internship in Internal Medicine at New England Deaconess Hospital, her residency in Anesthesiology at the Massachusetts General Hospital, and her fellowship in Pain Management at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Dr. Pearl was the first resident ever to serve on the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)’s Residency Review Committee for Anesthesiology. She is a Joseph Collins Scholar and a Rotary Scholar and was awarded the AMA/Glaxo Welcome and AMA/Burroughs Welcome Resident Leadership Awards.

From 2004 to 2010, Dr. Pearl served on the University of Massachusetts Board of Trustees. While there she chaired the Committee on Science, Technology and Research, was a member of the Committee on Academic and Student Affairs and the Governance Committee and also served as Vice Chair of the Advancement Committee, and as a member of the Committee on Athletics.

Dr. Pearl is Board Certified in Regenerative Medicine, Pain Medicine and Anesthesiology with the American Board of Regenerative Medicine and the American Board of Anesthesiologists.

Memberships:

  • The American Pain Society;
  • The Massachusetts Medical Society;
  • The Massachusetts Society of Anesthesiologists;
  • The Massachusetts Society of Interventional Pain Physicians;
  • The American Society of Anesthesiologists;
  • The American Society of International Pain Physicians;
  • The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine; and,
  • The American Board of Regenerative Medicine.

PUBLIC SERVICE:

  • Member, Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents, Health Care Services Board 
  • Member of the Association of Harvard College Class Secretaries and Treasurers
  • Past Member of the Board of Directors of the Harvard Alumni Association
  • Former Member of the Board of Trustees University of Massachusetts. (10/2010 – 10/2014) 

Mark Reecer, M.D. - Fort Wayne Physical Medicine

Dr. Mark Reecer is board certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Pain Management. He has over 20 years of work comp experience, and he routinely provides Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs) for the Indiana Workers’ Compensation Board. Dr. Reecer has lectured extensively and has authored multiple publications that promote his specialty and the use of treatment modalities to eliminate pain, improve function and avoid surgery.

Dmitry Buyanov, M.D. - IV Infusion Treatment Center

Dr. Buyanov is originally from Kiev, Ukraine. He received his training in Anesthesiology and his Interventional Pain Management Post-Doctoral at Penn State Medical Center, PA. Dr. Buyanov moved to San Antonio in 2003 at which time he was part of a multi-specialty group before he founded Premier Pain Consultants in 2004. His practice has over 5000 active patients in his practice. Dr. Buyanov treats his patients in a cost-effective manner although giving them the best care with interventional pain treatments/procedure to help each patient improve their quality of life. Dr. Buyanov strongly believes in an individualized and multidisciplinary approach to pain management, he believes in the Buddhist saying: “pain is inevitable but suffering is optional”. He works closely with the area internists, physical therapists, chiropractors, psychiatrists, neurologists, and spine surgeons to insure that each patient has the most optimal individualized treatment plan. Dr. Buyanov enjoys spending his spare time with his children.

Desmond Hussey, M.D. - NASA Neuroscience and Spine Associates. P.L

Dr. Hussey earned his undergraduate degree from Dartmouth College, and proceeded to earn his Medical Degree from The University of Miami School of Medicine. He then attended Northwestern University Internal Medicine Program, followed by a Neurology Residency Program at Emory University. Dr. Hussey continued his specialty training at John Hopkins University pain clinic. A member of The Spinal Injection Society and The American Academy of Neurology and Psychiatry.

Haley Burke, M.D. - Colorado Rehabilitation and Occupational Medicine

Dr. Burke is board-certified in both Interventional Pain Management and Neurology and has completed an accredited Pain Fellowship with the Department of Anesthesiology at MD Anderson Cancer Center, one of the nation’s most prestigious hospitals. Dr. Burke completed her residency in Neurology at the University of Colorado, where she received the department’s ‘Excellence in Teaching’ award during her year as Chief Resident. Her Doctor of Medicine degree was completed at the University of Texas Health Science Center, where she was elected to the ‘Gold Humanism Honor Society.’

Maxim Moradian, M.D. - Interventional Spine Care & Orthopedic Regenerative Experts

Dr. Moradian is triple-board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), Sports Medicine and Pain Management. Dr. Moradian’s clinical practice is devoted to the comprehensive care of spine, joint, muscle, tendon, ligament, and peripheral nerve disorders. He is proficient in performing advanced, minimally-invasive procedures under fluoroscopic and/or ultrasound guidance in the entire spine. Dr. Moradian performs electrodiagnostic testing (EMG/NCS) for the accurate diagnosis of muscle and/or nerve disorders. He has a special interest in regenerative medicine, sports concussions, neuromuscular ultrasound, medical education, and clinical research. His true passion is to treat his patients like his family and friends.

Wendi Lundquist, D.O. - Active Life Physical Medicine & Pain Center

Dr. Lundquist is the Medical Director and founder of Active Life Physical Medicine & Pain Center, Innovative Surgery Center, and Regena Spa. She is dual board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation along with Pain Management and a diplomat with the American Board of Pain Medicine. She completed her training at Loyola University in Chicago, Illinois in July of 2005. During her time there, she served as Chief Resident and was involved in several research projects. Prior to, she completed medical school at Midwestern University at the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine campus in Glendale, Arizona and internship at Doctors Hospital in Massillon, Ohio. She also has a Bachelor of Science in Biology and minor in Chemistry from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. She has a special interest in sports medicine, pain and spine. With 17 years experience, she has great enthusiasm towards regenerative medicine.

Yasuyuki Nonaka, M.D. - Nonaka Lumbago Clinic

Haley Burke, M.D. - Colorado Rehabilitation & Occupational Medicine

Dr. Burke is board-certified in both Interventional Pain Management and Neurology and has completed an accredited Pain Fellowship with the Department of Anesthesiology at MD Anderson Cancer Center, one of the nation’s most prestigious hospitals. Dr. Burke completed her residency in Neurology at the University of Colorado, where she received the department’s ‘Excellence in Teaching’ award during her year as Chief Resident. Her Doctor of Medicine degree was completed at the University of Texas Health Science Center, where she was elected to the ‘Gold Humanism Honor Society.’

Haley Burke, M.D. - Colorado Rehabilitation & Occupational Medicine

Dr. Burke is board-certified in both Interventional Pain Management and Neurology and has completed an accredited Pain Fellowship with the Department of Anesthesiology at MD Anderson Cancer Center, one of the nation’s most prestigious hospitals. Dr. Burke completed her residency in Neurology at the University of Colorado, where she received the department’s ‘Excellence in Teaching’ award during her year as Chief Resident. Her Doctor of Medicine degree was completed at the University of Texas Health Science Center, where she was elected to the ‘Gold Humanism Honor Society.’

Matthias H. Wiederholz, M.D. - Performance Pain and Sports Medicine

Founding Partner, Triple Board Certified – Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation; Sports Medicine; Anti-Aging, Regenerative & Functional Medicine

Dr. Matthias H. Wiederholz is cofounder of Performance Spine & Sports Medicine, LLC. He is a fellowship-trained interventional pain physician whose clinical interests include: Interventional Pain Management, Sports Medicine, Musculoskeletal Medicine, Minimally-Invasive Spine Surgery, Non-Surgical Orthopedics, and Anti-Aging / Functional Medicine.

He received his specialty training in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas where he served as chief resident. He completed fellowship training in Interventional Pain Management in Marietta, Georgia. He is board-certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine. He also received advanced fellowship training through the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine and is board-certified in Anti-Aging, Regenerative & Functional Medicine.

Dr. Wiederholz performs a myriad of interventional pain procedures including, but not limited to the following: epidural steroid injections, facet joint injections, radiofrequency ablation, sacroiliac joint injections, discography, percutaneous disc decompression, epidural lysis of adhesions spinal cord stimulator implants, and minimally-invasive discectomies. Endoscopic spine surgery is a very unique and valuable tool in his armamentarium and makes Dr. Wiederholz one of the most specialized physicians in the field of Pain Medicine.

Dr. Wiederholz uses musculoskeletal ultrasound in the diagnosis of musculoskeletal injuries. He incorporates ultrasound for precise injection therapy including cortisone injections, prolotherapy, and PRP (platelet rich plasma). This technology is also utilized to perform the Tenex procedure, a percutaneous procedure for treating chronic tendon pain (tennis elbow, rotator cuff, plantar fasciitis, etc).

Dr. Wiederholz is the fellowship director for the sports and spine fellowship at Performance Spine & Sports Medicine. Dr. Wiederholz holds an affiliation with Capital Health System and JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute.

Being advanced fellowship trained in Anti-Aging, Regenerative & Functional Medicine means that Dr. Wiederholz has the most advanced training in Anti-Aging Medicine available. He is a leading expert in Bio-Identical Hormone Restoration and helps patients achieve wellness through nutrition, lifestyle, and hormone therapies.

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Michael Wolff, M.D. - Southwest Spine & Sports