There are many serious injuries that can result from a car accident. One of which is a herniated disc, and victims may have a long recovery.
What is a Herniated Disc?
According to WebMD, the bones that form the spine are cushioned by small, spongy discs. When healthy, these discs act as shock absorbers for the spine and keep it flexible. When one of these discs becomes damaged, it can bulge or break open. This is known as a herniated disc.
Causes of a Herniated Disc
When it comes to car accidents, a herniated disc can be caused by: two-point seat belts, compression caused by the force of the accident, and heavy objects that came loose upon impact.
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on the types of soft tissues involved and where the herniation is located, and may include:
- Reflex changes
- Weakness in the legs and feet
- Numbness in the legs and feet
- Sciatica
- Paralysis
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Chronic back pain
Treatment
The treatment depends on the injury’s severity and may include:
- Pain Management – Physicians will prescribe pain medication when patients with herniated discs are in severe pain.
- Light Exercise – Reduced stress exercises such as swimming or walking can help loosen tight muscles in the back and relieve some of the pain caused by the herniated disc.
- Spinal Decompression Therapy – Non-surgical decompression is a motorized traction used to relieve the symptoms associated with this injury. It works by stretching the spine allowing it to change positions.
- Surgery – Physicians usually only perform surgery as a last resort.
If you sustained injuries in an accident due to another driver’s negligence, please contact us to discuss your case.