Car Accidents and Spinal Disc Injuries
Back injuries are among the most common and debilitating consequences of car accidents. Spinal disc injuries can be painful, limit mobility, and require months (or even years) of recovery. Knowing the types of disc injuries that can occur in a collision can help you recognize symptoms early and seek proper treatment and legal support.
Early diagnosis, comprehensive treatment, and skilled legal representation are key to protecting both your health and your financial stability. To learn about your legal rights after a Florida vehicular collision, speak with a Port St. Lucie Personal Injury Lawyer.
What Are Spinal Discs?
The human spine is made up of vertebrae cushioned by small, rubbery discs. These discs act like shock absorbers, protecting the bones and nerves from friction and impact. When a car crash occurs, the sudden force can compress, twist, or dislodge these discs, leading to harm.
Some examples of disc harm include:
- Herniated discs. A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner material of the disc pushes through its tough outer layer. This can press on nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the back, legs, or arms. Even a low-speed collision can create enough force to cause a herniation.
- Bulging discs. Similar to a herniation, a bulging disc happens when the disc protrudes beyond its normal boundary but doesn’t rupture. This can still irritate nerves and cause chronic discomfort. Often, symptoms worsen over time if left untreated.
- Degenerative disc aggravation. Some people have pre-existing degenerative disc disease, a condition where discs naturally wear down with age. A car accident can accelerate this process or cause a dormant condition to become symptomatic, leading to pain and mobility issues.
- Ruptured discs. In severe cases, the disc’s outer layer can tear completely, releasing the inner material and causing intense, immediate pain. This often requires surgical intervention.
- Disc fracture. A violent impact can fracture the vertebrae near the disc, destabilizing the spine. This injury is not only painful but can also lead to long-term disability if not promptly treated.
After a car accident, you might feel fine at first due to adrenaline. However, disc injuries may reveal themselves hours or days later. Be aware of sharp pain, numbness, tingling, weakness in arms or legs, and difficulty standing or walking.
Are You Seeking Medical and Legal Help?
If you suspect a disc injury, seek immediate medical attention. Diagnostic imaging like MRIs or CT scans can confirm the damage and guide treatment, which may include physical therapy, medication, or surgery.
From a legal standpoint, disc injuries can be expensive to treat and may keep you out of work for an extended period. A Port St. Lucie Personal Injury Lawyer can help you pursue compensation for medical bills, income loss, and future treatment needs.
Do you want to learn more about accessing funds to pay off back injury expenses? Disc injuries from car accidents in Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Stuart, and Vero Beach can alter your quality of life. Have a conversation with the attorneys at Leifer & Ramirez about your damage recovery options. Call 561-660-9421 to schedule a confidential consultation.
