Car accidents are severe and people get many various injuries, some of which come out afterwards. One of such injuries is a herniated disc, with severe pain and immobility. It is important to understand the nature of this injury, its symptoms, and what should be done in case of a personal injury claim. A herniated disc is not the same as a bulging disc (which is a condition that occurs when the inner part of a spinal disc protrudes from its outer wall).
What’s a Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc usually results from the extrusion of the soft inner gel of an intervertebral disc through a tear of the tough outside. It is otherwise alternatively called slipped or ruptured disc. Extrusion may press onto the nerves nearby, causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the limbs.
Herniated Disc Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms of a herniated disc depend on its location in the spine and the extent of herniation; general symptoms consist of:
- Pain: Will be at the lumbar, neck, or sciatic region down the legs. It may be sharp or burning and is stimulated by movements.
- Numbness or Tingling: These can lead to total loss of sensation, especially in the limbs, with a tingling sensation.
- Weakness: Your ability to lift or hold objects could be affected if muscles served by the affected nerves weaken.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If you do suspect that you have a herniated disc after a wreck, you must go to the doctor right away. The diagnosis of the health care provider is through physical examinations and imaging studies, such as MRI or CT scans, and nerve conduction.
Treatment options depend on the severity of the herniation and the overall health of the patient and may include:
- Rest and Activity Modification: Eliminating activities that worsen the pain.
- Medications: These may include pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and muscle relaxants.
- Physical Therapy: Exercises to strengthen the muscles to support the spine and techniques around the spine.
- Injections: Corticosteroid injections to minimize the inflammation.
- Surgery: In cases of acute severity, the only option available for the patient would be a surgery of removal or repair of the herniated part of the disc.
Steps to Take in a Personal Injury Case
You might have a herniated disc from an auto accident injury. In that case, in a personal injury case, these would be the steps followed:
- Get Medical Attention: Your health should always come first. Please ensure that you receive due attention from a competent health provider, who will correctly diagnose your condition and offer the best treatment.
- Documentation: Keep evidence of visits to health facilities, treatment, and any other costs that may arise during the treatment process. Ensure that you document how your symptoms affect your life every day.
- Report the Accident: Ensure that you report the car accident to the police and to your insurance company. Get a copy of the police report.
- Request Consultation with a Personal Injury Attorney: The attorney will provide advice, explain the legal procedure, and prepare a good case for you. The attorney will also negotiate on your behalf with the insurance company and represent you in court if need be.
- Gather Evidence: Compile all relevant evidence in respect of the incident, including but not limited to photographs of the scene or statements of witnesses, and such other essential detail, in relation to your claim.
- Early Settlement: Insurers may offer quick settlements that mostly fail to cover your expenses and long-term needs. You should consult your attorney before taking any offer.
- File a Claim: Your attorney will file a personal injury claim that specifies the nature of your injuries, medical costs, lost income, and any other form of damages to be compensated.
Most herniated discs are treated conservatively, meaning without surgery. The following treatments can help relieve pain and inflammation:
- Rest: Needless to say, one should not at all do physical exertion for a few days, but at the same time, one should not stay seated or lying in bed for long, as the pain can worsen.
- Medication: Over-the-counter analgesics for pain and inflammation reduction, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. A physician would also direct the use of muscle relaxants or more potent pain relievers available by prescription.
- Physical Therapy: In this case, the physical therapist can educate you on exercises to provide your back with strength and attain flexibility. These will be crucial as they take the pressure off your herniated disc and relieve pain.
- Modalities: Heat and ice therapies applied to the painful area are used to reduce inflammation and discomfort.
- Injections for Steroids: Your doctor may suggest an injection of corticosteroids around the herniated disc. This is a minimally invasive method to reduce inflammation and pain.
Surgery for Herniated Discs
If, after the first 6 weeks, symptoms become worse, surgery may be an option. Most surgery for herniated disk is done on an outpatient basis, meaning the patient can go home the same day. The 2 most common surgeries for herniated lumbar disk are:
- Microdiscectomy: This is the typical surgery for herniated disk. In this operation, a small incision is made in your back and the piece of the disk that is pressing upon the nerve is removed.
- Discectomy and Fusion: A procedure of this kind is only performed in more severe cases of herniated disc. The surgeon removes the herniated disc and inserts a small piece of bone or other into the space between vertebrae to prevent motion of the vertebrae.
If you experience pain you suspect is arising from a herniated disc, then see an examination. Early diagnosis and treatment will help in preventing the worsening of the problem, hence getting you up and back to your activities as soon as possible.
Conclusion
A herniated disc from a car accident can literally turn your life upside down. Knowing the symptoms, getting treatment for your ailment, and taking the right steps in the legal process could be a means of handling your situation while obtaining due compensation for which you are eligible. This chapter will help you begin to understand this maze called the personal injury case in a more confident and clear light.