• Herniated Disc Injuries

In the spinal column, soft gel-like cushions, called spinal discs in between vertebrae (small bones), support the spine by acting as a shock absorber and keep vertebrae from rubbing against each other. An outer layer (annulus) protects the small round discs.
An automobile accident can cause the annulus to shift, tear, or rupture. The violent impact pushes a fragment of the disc out of the annulus into the spinal canal. Thus, it becomes a herniated or ruptured disc. Once inside the spinal canal, it compresses the spinal nerves responsible for signals to the brain. This nerve infringement, caused by herniated and ruptured discs, causes spinal cord dysfunction and sends out sharp radiating pain and numbness throughout the body.

Herniated disc injuries commonly affect areas like the cervical spine (neck) and lumbar spine (lower back). In severe cases, lumbar spine herniation causes mobility problems. Some commonly used terms to describe damaged discs include slipped, herniated, ruptured, bulging discs, and nerve infringement.

• Whiplash Injuries

Whiplash is a common injury sustained in rear-end collisions. The body jerks in a whip-like motion. The impact forces the cervical spine and body to move forward while the head remains behind. Whipping the head backward and the sudden forward pull force the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the neck and spine areas to stretch beyond their normal range. It puts pressure on the cervical spine and causes a herniated disc. The slipped or ruptured disc can cause excruciating pain in the neck, arms, and spine. Whiplash can cause multiple herniated discs and may not be visible during the initial examination.

• Spinal Cord Injuries

The spinal cord is within the spinal column and starts from the base of the skull down to the vertebral level and ends at the tailbone. It has segmental nerve roots that exit the column between each vertebra and branch out into the body to form the peripheral nervous system. The brain and the spinal cord make up the central nervous system.

All lesions to the cord are spinal cord injuries (SCI). A traumatic SCI can result from a car accident. Depending upon the extent of the injuries, symptoms of SCI can include loss of memory and involuntary regulations of the body, like breathing, blood pressure, heart rate, bowel and bladder control, and sexual function. It also affects motor control of the upper and lower limbs. There is a more extensive range of impairments if the lesions occur at a higher level.

• Spinal Fractures

A high-velocity impact from a car accident such as a head on collision can cause spinal fractures or dislocation of the vertebrae (backbone). The violent forward flex in an auto accident forces the vertebrae to pull apart and can occur anywhere along the spine. If untreated, spinal fractures can lead to permanent spinal cord injury, paralysis, and nerve impairment.

• Facet Joint Injuries

The facet joints connect each vertebra in the spinal column. They act as pillars by providing structure and support to the vertebral column. The facet joints are susceptible to degeneration and sprains. Getting injured in a car accident is not an exception. The injured person can develop facet joint syndrome characterized by arthritic inflammation. It causes severe pain in the facet joints and often leads to chronic back pain.

• Muscle weakness caused by nerve impairment
• Nerve pain and numbness on one side of the body
• Neck pain at the sides or back of your neck
• Leg pain when walking short distances
• Pain that worsens after prolonged sitting or standing
• Pain with movements like bending or turning your neck
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Loss of strength in your arms, legs, or feet
• Back pain

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the most accurate imaging test for a suspected herniated disc.
• A Computed Tomography (CT) Scan shows the bones in the spine. The herniated disc can move in the space around the spinal cord and press on them.
• An X-ray helps rule out other causes of neck or back pain.

• Spinal Injections

An epidural steroid injection is a shot of steroid medication directly into your spine. It reduces swelling and inflammation of the nerve caused by disc herniation.

• Surgery

Your healthcare provider may recommend emergency surgery when large disc herniation injures the nerves on the bladder and bowel.

Surgical procedures like spinal decompression surgery, fusion surgery, lumbar fusion surgery, and anterior cervical discectomy help relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.

For non-emergency cases, surgery is the last option if other types of treatment fail.

• Get examined immediately – Go to your nearest healthcare provider and get an extensive physical examination and laboratory tests, which include MRI. Do this as soon as possible after a car accident occurs.
• SEEK medical treatment immediately – If your laboratory tests confirm a herniated disc, consult your doctor and get the prescribed medication. Ask your doctor about the appropriate medical treatment for your injury.
• Gather Proper documentation – Compile laboratory test findings, doctor’s diagnoses, and prescriptions and avoid problems with your insurance company. Early documentation provides proof that the crash caused the herniated disc.
• Talk to an experienced personal injury lawyer – An experienced personal injury lawyer will represent you in your case and help you get fair compensation for damages caused by the at-fault driver.
• Tell your insurance about your herniated discs -Present all pertinent documents to your insurance and include a written notice of injury in your application for no-fault benefits.