Can injuries to the head, neck, or spine cause the onset of Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?  Health care professionals have documented on numerous occasions the onset of MS symptoms to start after spinal trauma.  Multiple Sclerosis has a variety of symptoms including sensory issues, such as numbness or tingling, visual impairments such as blurry or double vision, fatigue, pain, and problems with motor skills. These symptoms often begin over a period of days; they escalate, peak, and subside. Unfortunately, this cycle repeats itself with greater frequency, and the intensity of symptoms worsens, as the disease progresses.

Countless studies, clinical deliberations, and robust debates have made little progress in discovering the source of the illness. Numerous theories have been proposed, including MS being a form of autoimmune response, resultant from a viral illness, having a genetic link, associated with environmental toxins, a combination of any of the above, and let's not forget the widely debated theory of head, neck, and spinal injury. 

Some professionals suggest that the precise impact to the central nervous system, through whiplash, concussion, or similar trauma, will either cause MS to develop or allow existing (although subtle) symptoms to be more pronounced. Whiplash can cause the cervical vertebrae to become dislodged or misaligned, cause compression to the spinal cord and alter the blood-brain-barrier. Many consider this to be a critical step in the formation of MS lesions (plaques). Evidence to the relationship of cervical (neck) spine injury and the formation of MS plaques, has been revealed thru MRI readings.

It's evident that more research is needed to determine the causal factors for Multiple Sclerosis. Until then, there are a variety of treatments and support systems available for patients. If you have questions or concerns about this illness, please discuss them with your health care professional.