Your spine is one of the most miraculous areas of your body. It is made up of nerves that travel through a series of bones called vertebrae that work to protect the spinal cord. Those nerves send messages to your brain and to every other part of your body, allowing you to do everything from feel to move a limb. In some accidents, injuries can cause damage to this spinal column, causing serious implications and losses. A herniated disc from car accident events can be an ongoing cause of chronic pain and loss of mobility and a Phoenix, AZ car accident attorney can help with your case.
What Is a Herniated Disc from a Car Accident?
A herniated disc can occur as a result of force in a car accident or from other types of injuries. In all cases, it occurs when the spinal disk, a small, fluid-filled sac that sits between each of your spine’s vertebrae, becomes inflamed and damaged. These discs work to provide a cushion for the spine’s bones to move and flex as you do without causing serious injury. They help protect the bones in these joints from rubbing against each other.
According to the Mayo Clinic, a herniated disc is not properly aligned, causing nerves to be exposed. Any type of touching or interaction with a nerve from the spinal cord can cause serious pain and intense sharp or stabbing discomfort.
Symptoms of Herniated Disc Caused by a Car Accident
If you are in a car accident, visit the emergency room for a full examination after your accident. Even then, though, the doctors may not learn that you have damage to the spinal column or cord until much later. There are some symptoms that are often associated with herniated discs caused by car accidents:
- Back pain that radiates from the lower back down into your legs
- Sharp and localized pain in the upper back, neck, or the lower back
- Persistent stiffness and aching even days after the accident
- Inability to stand up and straight, often having a hunched appearance
- Back pain worsens over time, especially when sitting or standing for a long period of time.
How Do Herniated Discs from Car Accidents Happen?
A car accident often involves a significant amount of force. That force can cause the spinal column to contract, causing the discs between each of the vertebrae to bulge. This creates a scenario in which the nerves are exposed, causing injury to the area, intense pain, and limited mobility. Herniated discs can happen in a wide range of accident types, including:
- Head-on collisions
- T-bone accidents
- Rear-end collisions
- Crushing accidents
- High-speed accidents
Many people will not have immediate pain from a herniated disc, but it can develop over time. That can make it hard for you to know that the injury is directly from the car accident. However, if you suspect this is the case, get medical care and then turn to a car accident attorney for guidance.
At Sargon Law Group, our car accident attorney can offer insight to you on whether your spinal cord injury could be related to an accident. Contact our legal team of personal injury attorneys in Phoenix to discuss herniated discs from car accidents and find out what steps you can take to hold those who hurt you accountable for the injuries and losses you have. Set up a free consultation now.