Is it possible to have back spasms from a spinal injury?

Question

Hello doctor,

Nine years ago, I visited the emergency room due to severe muscle cramping and spasms in my back. I was treated with eight muscle relaxer pills, and the problem resolved completely.

Two years later, I sustained a work-related injury. The following day, I was unable to walk without a walker. I damaged my L4 and L5 discs, developed left-sided foot drop, and experienced tingling throughout my hips and left leg. I underwent surgery on L4 and L5, but I still have foot drop, tingling, and erectile dysfunction.

My insurance company is now claiming that my recent spinal injury is pre-existing due to my prior back spasms. My previous back issue seven years ago occurred after being severely jarred.

In your professional opinion, would the muscle spasms from nine years ago be considered pre-existing in relation to my current spinal injury?

Kindly assist.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query and can understand your concern.

Back muscle spasms can occur without a disc problem, like a muscle strain, in which case a prolapsed disc is not related. A disc prolapse can be acute or chronic type. So, it cannot be related to a previous injury you had nine years ago unless an MRI scan was done at that time showing a disc bulge.

This is my opinion. This professional advice provided by me stands subject to the actual. Examination of the report and image (attachment removed for patient identity protection) is based entirely on my inputs. It should be correlated with clinical findings.

I hope this answers your query.

Please let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.