Can Car Accidents Cause a Herniated Disc?

Car accidents can lead to painful injuries, especially when the back or spine is affected. The impact of a car crash can cause a person’s spine to shift, rotate, or move out of alignment, leading to injuries such as herniated discs and fractured vertebrae.

It’s not uncommon for car accident victims to believe they are not injured immediately after an accident because of adrenaline and shock. However, once the body begins to relax, pain and stiffness may set in. It is important to see a doctor as soon as possible after a collision. Medical documentation can also be essential if you decide to pursue a personal injury claim for losses such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

What is a Herniated Disc?

A herniated disc, also called a ruptured or slipped disc, is one of the most common types of back injuries following car accidents. The spine contains discs that support the vertebrae and absorb shock. Each disc has a tough exterior, called the annulus fibrosus, that surrounds a softer interior. A herniated disc can occur when force from a car accident ruptures the outer layer and causes the softer interior to push into the spinal canal.

Because the spinal canal has limited space, a herniated disc can press against nearby nerves and cause significant discomfort after a crash. This is one reason car accidents cause a herniated disc injury to become painful, even when symptoms do not appear immediately. Herniated discs most commonly occur in the lower back or neck, which are both vulnerable areas during the sudden impact of a collision.

How Do Car Accidents Case a Herniated Disc?

Car accidents can cause a herniated disc because the body may be forced into sudden, unnatural movements during impact. A rear-end crash, T-bone collision, or high-speed accident can place extreme pressure on the spine. The neck and back may whip forward, backward, or sideways, causing the discs between the vertebrae to compress, twist, or tear.

Even a collision that seems minor can create enough force to injure the spine. In some cases, a crash may also worsen an existing disc condition that has not causes symptoms before. A doctor can help determine whether your symptoms may be connected to a herniated disc from a car accident.

Symptoms of a Herniated Disc

Common symptoms of a herniated disc include:

• Numbness or tingling that spreads to the leg or foot
• Back pain that radiates to other areas in the body
• Muscle weakness in the back, legs, arms, or shoulders
• A burning sensation in the affected areas
• Neck pain or stiffness
• Pain that worsens when sitting, bending, lifting, or walking

Herniated discs most commonly occur in the lower back after a car accident. The pain and severity of a herniated disc depend on the disc’s position and extent of the herniation. Because the disc can irritate nearby nerves, the pain of the herniated disc is often more intense than other back injuries, such as a bulging disc. Symptoms may also travel into the arms or legs depending on where the injured disc is located.

Diagnosis of a Herniated Disc

Prompt medical treatment after a car accident is vital for minimizing the overall pain and severity of the injury. Medical records may also help if you file a personal injury claim. To receive appropriate medical treatment, victims must have their herniated disc adequately diagnosed by a medical professional.

To diagnose a herniated disc, doctors often utilize the following tests:

• X-ray
• Computerized tomography (CT) scan
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Myelogram

A medical professional can determine whether you are suffering from a herniated disc injury or another back injury based on these tests and a physical examination. Your doctor may also ask when symptoms began and whether pain travels in your arms, legs, hands, or feet.

How is a Herniated Disc Injury Treated?

Generally, many herniated disc injuries don’t require surgery. Doctors often treat a herniated disc with anti-inflammatory medication and physical therapy. Other non-surgical treatment options may include:

• Pain medication
• Muscle relaxants
• Physical therapy
• Spinal injections
• Activity modifications

If the injury and pain worsen, a doctor might recommend surgery. Surgeries to treat herniated discs may include:

• Discectomy: Removal of damaged disc material to relieve pressure off the spine
• Laminotomy or laminectomy: Surgery that removes a small piece of bone to reduce pressure
• Spinal fusion: Surgery that fuses vertebrae to stabilize the spine
• Artificial disc surgery: Surgery that replaces damaged discs with artificial ones

How is a Herniated Disc Valued in a Personal Injury Claim?

If you’ve suffered a herniated disc injury after a car accident caused by another party’s negligence, you may benefit from filing an injury claim. Medical treatments, even without the cost of surgery, can become expensive. Those costs, along with lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages, can be recovered through a personal injury claim.

Many factors can determine the overall value of your injury claim. These may include the severity of the herniated disc, whether surgery is needed, how long recovery takes, the amount of medical treatment required, and how the injury affects your ability to work or perform daily activities. Connecting your injuries and damages to the accident is also essential. If you are considering filing a personal injury claim, it may be in your best interest to consult with an attorney experienced in car accident cases. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer can review the facts surrounding the case and help you establish the best plan of action.

Experienced Legal Representation from The Barnes Firm

Our team of car accident lawyers at The Barnes Firm can help if you have been injured in an auto collision. Our attorneys use their decades of combined experience to help clients after serious car accident injuries, including back and spinal injuries. If you believe a car accident caused a herniated disc, our team can review your case, explain your legal options, and help pursue compensation from the responsible party.

To schedule a free consultation with an experienced car accident lawyer today, complete an online contact form or call our office at (800) 800-0000.

Richard Barnes – President of The Barnes Firm

Richard Barnes: “As President of The Barnes Firm, I have dedicated my career to achieving justice in hundreds of cases for the victims of injuries caused through the fault of others. Additionally, I have been honored to have been elected Best Lawyer and a Super Lawyer”

Years of Experience: 30+ years
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