Car accidents can leave you with serious injuries, and one of the most common and painful is a herniated disc. Back pain can make everyday tasks difficult, affect your work, and lower your quality of life. If you were injured in a car accident in Philadelphia, understanding herniated discs and your legal options can help you recover physically and financially.
What is Considered a Herniated Disc
The spine is made up of vertebrae, which are the bones stacked on top of each other, with discs in between acting as cushions. These discs have a soft, jelly-like center surrounded by a tougher outer layer. A herniated disc happens when the outer layer is damaged, allowing the inner material to bulge out. This can irritate nearby nerves and cause symptoms such as numbness, tingling, weakness, or sharp pain, especially when moving.
The spine is divided into four sections. The cervical spine includes seven vertebrae in the neck. The thoracic spine has twelve vertebrae in the upper back. The lumbar spine contains five vertebrae in the lower back, and the sacrum includes five fused vertebrae at the base. Herniated discs can occur in any part of the spine, but they are most common in the lower back and neck.
How Car Accidents Cause Herniated Discs
When a car accident happens, the impact often transfers force through your back, even in minor collisions. This can damage one or more discs, leading to herniation. Whiplash is a common injury in car accidents that affects the neck and can also result in herniated discs in the cervical spine. The rapid back-and-forth motion can tear muscles, ligaments, and the outer disc layer.
Symptoms of a herniated disc after a car accident can include persistent pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness. Pain often worsens with movement. Herniated discs in the lower back can lead to sciatica, which causes pain, numbness, or tingling that radiates from the lower back down the legs, sometimes reaching the feet or toes.
Diagnosing Herniated Discs
If you think you have a herniated disc after a car accident, it is important to see a doctor quickly. A doctor may perform a physical exam, checking for tenderness and asking you to move in different ways to pinpoint the source of pain. A neurological exam can assess reflexes, muscle strength, walking ability, and sensation.
Imaging tests can confirm a herniated disc. X-rays are sometimes used to rule out other causes of back pain. CT scans provide detailed cross-sectional images of the spine. MRIs can show the exact location of the herniated disc and which nerves are affected. A myelogram, which involves injecting a dye into the spinal fluid, can highlight pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
Treatment Options for Herniated Discs
Treatment depends on the severity of the injury. Many people find relief through pain medication, muscle relaxers, rest, and physical therapy. Physical therapy can help improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion. In more serious cases, surgery may be necessary. Surgeons may remove the bulging portion of the disc or, in severe cases, remove the entire disc and fuse the surrounding vertebrae to stabilize the spine.
Herniated Disc Injuries in Minor Collisions
You do not have to be in a major crash to suffer a herniated disc. Even low-speed collisions can cause serious spinal injuries, especially if there were pre-existing back or neck conditions. Insurance companies may try to argue that your injury is unrelated to the accident, but medical records and imaging studies can help show that the accident caused or worsened the herniation.
Seeking Compensation for Herniated Disc Injuries
Medical care for herniated discs can be expensive, and the injury may require time off work. If another driver caused the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Settlements vary depending on the number of discs affected, the severity of the injury, and how it impacts your daily life. An experienced car accident attorney can help you gather evidence, document your injuries, and negotiate with insurance companies to pursue a fair settlement.
Working With a Car Accident Attorney
Experienced attorneys help build strong cases by reviewing medical records, consulting with doctors, and working with expert witnesses if needed. Acting quickly is important because evidence can disappear over time, and insurance companies often move fast. Legal representation ensures that your rights are protected while you focus on recovery.
Recovering from a herniated disc after a car accident takes time, but you do not have to manage the process alone. Medical care, proper treatment, and legal guidance can help you regain your health and seek the compensation you deserve. If you suffered a herniated disc in a car accident, contact our Philadelphia car accident attorney today to discuss your case. Call (215) 360-3666 for a free consultation.