How Can a Herniated Disc Injury Affect a Car Accident Victim?

 Posted on December 09, 2021 in Personal Injury

A car accident can cause a great deal of trauma to a person’s body. The impact that occurs when one vehicle collides with another may force body parts into unnatural positions or cause jolting or wrenching motions that can lead to multiple types of bodily injuries. Some of the most serious injuries that can occur in a collision may affect the spinal cord, and they may lead to chronic pain, loss of range of motion, or paralysis. If a spine injury results in herniated discs, a person will want to understand how this may affect their long-term health, the types of treatment that may be necessary, and their options for receiving compensation for their damages.

What Is a Herniated Disc?

The vertebrae in the spinal cord are separated by soft discs that provide a cushion and allow a person to move their upper body into different positions. When a person experiences trauma, such as the impact of a car accident, these discs may be damaged. Torn or ruptured discs may result in a loss of cushioning, causing the bones in the spine to grind together and potentially resulting in pinched nerves. Damage to discs may cause them to bulge, placing pressure on the spinal cord or other nerves.

Depending on the location of herniated discs, a person may experience different types of symptoms. Herniated discs in the lower back may result in back pain, numbness or tingling in the legs and feet, or weakness of the muscles in the legs and lower body. Herniated discs in the neck can cause pain in the neck, shoulders, arms, or hands, numbness or tingling in the arms, and restrictions in motion of the neck and upper body. Damage to discs in the spine can also lead to issues such as muscle spasms, problems with balance, delayed reflexes, difficulty standing up from a seated position, or loss of bladder or bowel control.

Multiple types of medical treatment may be used to address issues related to herniated discs. In some cases, physical therapy may help a person restore their range of motion. Cortisone injections or muscle relaxants may be administered to reduce inflammation and relieve pressure on nerves. Surgery may also be performed to reduce pressure on nerves by removing some or all of a damaged disc, implanting artificial disc replacements, removing segments of bone to create more space for nerves, or fusing bones in the spine to prevent movement that would pinch nerves or cause pain.

Contact Our Rolling Meadows Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers

A spine injury that occurs in a car accident can be debilitating, especially if it results in permanent damage, chronic pain, or paralysis. In these situations, victims will want to determine how they can receive compensation that will allow them to receive the medical treatment they need and address other areas of their lives that have been affected. At Newland & Newland, LLP, we can provide representation to ensure that a negligent driver will be held liable for all of the damages a victim has suffered. Contact our Schaumburg spine injury attorneys today at 847-797-8000 to schedule a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/herniated-disk/symptoms-causes/syc-20354095

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12768-herniated-disk

https://www.spineuniverse.com/conditions/herniated-disc