Car accidents lead to a wide range of injuries, some of which do not become apparent until weeks or months down the line. One such injury is a herniated disc, which happens when the center of a spinal disc pushes through the outer layer, irritating the nerves nearby.
Can an auto accident cause a herniated disc? Yes, this is a common injury from a car accident. You may need an attorney to help you prove that the disc injury happened from the accident and help you seek compensation.
How Do Car Accidents Cause Herniated Discs?
Herniated discs often result from a sudden impact to the spine, as commonly occurs in a car accident. When another vehicle strikes yours, your body is violently thrown against the seat, seatbelt, or airbag. Your neck may also rapidly jolt during the crash, leading to an injury known as whiplash. Both of these can cause a spinal disc to slip out of place.
You may not immediately realize this has happened, especially if you suffered other injuries in the crash. Some people experience no symptoms from a slipped disc, or their symptoms may worsen over time. This is why it is important to seek a full-body medical examination after a car crash to check for any underlying injuries.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of a Herniated Disc
Auto accidents commonly cause herniated discs, so you may want to watch out for the symptoms of this injury in the weeks after your accident, including:
- Pain in an arm or leg. Herniated discs in the lower back often lead to pain that radiates down the back, buttocks, thigh, and calf. Slipped discs in the neck may lead to shoulder or arm pain.Â
- Numbness and tingling in the nerves radiating out from the discÂ
- Muscle weakness in the associated area
It’s important to note that other injuries and conditions may mimic the above symptoms. Only a trained medical professional can make the proper diagnosis.
If you suspect you have a herniated disc, a neurologist should perform an MRI scan of your spine and conduct a physical exam. They may also perform nerve tests to pinpoint the exact location of nerve damage.
Is a Herniated Disc Treatable?
Herniated discs are treatable, and the majority of patients experience relief within six weeks or less. Your doctor may recommend taking over-the-counter medications for pain management while your injury heals. For severe pain, they may prescribe a muscle relaxer, opioids, or cortisone injections.Â
Physical therapy may also help minimize the pain associated with this spinal injury. Therapists can teach patients how to minimize strain on their spines and modify activities that make their symptoms worse.
In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the protruding portion of the disc.
Seeking Compensation for a Herniated Disc After an Accident
Can an auto accident cause a herniated disc? Yes, and if another driver was at fault in your accident, you may have the right to seek compensation. Filing an insurance claim or lawsuit against the at-fault party may allow you to secure funds to cover medical bills and related expenses.
Your first step is generally to file an insurance claim with the negligent driver’s insurance company. If this claim does not pay out sufficient funds, your next step may be to take legal action against the driver or their insurer.
An experienced car accident attorney will help you navigate the compensation process.
Let Steinberg Law, P.A., Assist With Your Accident Case
Auto accidents often cause herniated discs that severely impact victims’ mobility and quality of life. If you are struggling with a slipped disc, let our attorneys take the burden of your compensation process off your shoulders.
We will gather evidence to support your claim, communicate with all parties on your behalf, and give you time to rest and heal. Contact Steinberg Law, P.A., today at 877-783-4611 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free case evaluation.
