Car crashes can result in serious injuries that can last a life time. The most susceptible and common types of injuries involve the back, spine and neck. Most of the time, these sensitive body parts suffer what is called a herniated disc. Disc injuries are commonly scene in rear end impact collisions.
Although most disc herniation can be treated with conservative care, some will require surgical intervention. This can be a costly and life altering event. If your disc injuries were caused by the negligence of another driver, you should immediately hire an experienced Stockton car accident attorney to help you get the full compensatory damages you deserve.
What Is a Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc, also called a slipped disc or ruptured disc, is an injury that involves the bulging of your vertebral discs, which in turn cause pressure on the nerves around it. A herniated disc happens when pressure from the vertebrae above and below force some or all of the nucleus pulpous through a weakened or torn part of the annulus. These types of injuries can be very painful, with the pain mainly focused in the arm or leg, depending on the exact location of the herniation.
If you have a herniated disc in your lower back region, you will most likely feel radiating pain in your thighs and buttocks. If you have a herniated disc in your upper back area, the pain will be throughout your and shoulders. You may also have other symptoms, such as numbness, tingling and muscular weakness, depending on the extent of the injury to your disc.
Symptoms of a Herniated Disc
Herniated discs are sometime asymptomatic. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, you should seek medical treatment immediately:
- Radiating pain in the buttocks, legs and feet (called sciatica)
- Tingling or numbness in the legs or feet
- Muscle weakness
- Inability to grasp items in your hands or keep them gripped for a period of time
Common symptoms of disc herniation in the neck area include:
- Pain near or over the shoulder blade
- Pain radiating to the shoulder, arm and the hand and fingers
- Neck pain, especially in the back and on the sides of the neck
- Neck spasms
If you have developed any of these symptoms as a result of a car rash, it is imperative that you immediately see a doctor and explain all of you symptoms. Your doctor will do a complete physical examination, take your medical history, and perform a neurological exam to test your muscle reflexes, sensation and muscle strength. Your physician may also prescribe radiological tests to better evaluate and confirm the extent of a possible herniated disc diagnoses. These tests may include:
- X-ray
- MRI or CT scan
- Myelogram
- EMG
How to Treat a Herniated Disc
Conservative treatment works for most disc herniation, allowing the injured victim to recover without must residual pain. However, some will continue to suffer from severe pain and may require more invasive procedures, including but not limited to:
- Spinal injections
- Surgery
- Microdiscectomy
- Laminectomy
If left untreated, herniated discs can present serious problems such as chronic back or leg pain and loss of control or sensation in the legs or feet
Consult with a Stockton Personal Injury Attorney
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in an accident that was caused by the negligent or reckless act of a third party, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. For more information or to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Stockton personal injury attorney, call the Srai Law Offices today at (209) 323-5558.