Three Signs of a Herniated Disk From a Car Accident

 Posted on September 06, 2018 in Catastrophic Injuries

Were you or a loved one recently involved in an auto accident? If your answer is "yes" and you are not seriously injured, you may not realize that you have been until hours or even days after being hit. Injuries sustained in a car accident typically occur in the form of head and back, and neck and chest injuries. Although any injury that you might have sustained should be examined by your doctor, the most important injuries to be aware of are head and back injuries. Even if you do not see signs of visible trauma, but there is pain or stiffness, seeking an examination from a medical professional will ensure that your injuries do not become worse. Any injury to your spinal cord is the most severe type of non-visible trauma, as prolonged neglect can lead to loss of movement or feeling.

Injuries to your lower back in the form of sprains and herniated disks are the most commonly diagnosed injury sustained in a car accident. A herniated disk (sometimes referred to as a "hernia") is when your intervertebral disc (the cushion in between your vertebrae in your spine) pushes out or bulges or even ruptures. Hernias can occur in your back or neck, and sometimes may be difficult to determine, as they can sometimes go undetected. Here are three most common signs of a herniated disk:

• Arm or leg pain. Herniated disk can occur in multiple areas of the body; however, since your herniated disk is in your lower back, you will generally feel pain in your buttocks, thighs, and calves. If your herniated disk is in your neck, the pain will generally be most intense in the shoulders and arms.
• Numbness or tingling. People who have sustained a herniated disk usually experience numbness or tingling in the body part with the herniated disk.
• Weakness. Muscles served by the affected by the herniated disk tend to weaken. You may notice that you are stumbling, or your ability to lift or hold items is impaired.

What if I was Hurt in a Car Accident?

At Newland & Newland, our goal is to help people who have incurred injuries during a car accident. Our team is compassionate, professional, and knowledgeable in personal injury lawsuits and is committed to working hard on your case. If you were hurt in a car accident, contact us at 847-797-8000 for a complimentary evaluation of your case, or visit us online and complete the consultation form. We serve clients in the Chicago, Arlington Heights, Palatine, Rolling Meadows, Libertyville, Mundelein, Buffalo Grove, Schaumburg, Elk Grove, and Itasca areas.

(image courtesy of Toa Heftiba)