Herniated or Dislocated Disc Injuries After a Car Accident
Automobile collisions often involve powerful, traumatic forces that can cause the spine to move in unnatural ways. The rapid whipping motion from an impact can dislocate or herniate the discs that cushion the vertebrae in your spine. These discs contain a gel-like fluid that acts as a shock absorber between the bones of the spine. When damaged, a disc may rupture, leak, or slip out of its normal position.
The most reliable way to diagnose a herniated or displaced disc is through an MRI scan of the affected spinal area. In many cases, the displaced disc also affects nearby nerves. When this happens, the disc can press against the nerve roots that branch out from each vertebral level, leading to pain and neurological symptoms.
Nerve compression can cause sharp, electrical pain, tingling, or numbness that radiates along the nerve pathway — down the arms if the injury is in the neck, or down the legs if the injury is in the lower back or lumbar spine.
In more serious cases, surgery may be needed to repair or stabilize the affected area. The procedure may involve replacing the damaged disc or using bone grafts to relieve pressure on the nerve root. If nerve compression is severe or prolonged, it may even result in partial loss of function in the arms or legs.
A neurologist can diagnose and assess the extent of nerve and disc damage using MRI scans and nerve conduction studies. When surgery is necessary, it is typically performed by a neurosurgeon, and in some cases, by an orthopedic surgeon.
Because spinal disc injuries can have long-term consequences, it is critical to have a personal injury attorney who understands the medical, diagnostic, and legal aspects of these cases. The right attorney will know how to present your medical findings and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and ongoing care.
Barry Bellovin of the Bellovin Law Firm, PLLC has extensive experience handling cases involving herniated and dislocated disc injuries.
Contact the Bellovin Law Firm, PLLC today for your free consultation.
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- Did you suffer injuries in an accident that was caused by no fault of your own? – in other words, you are the injured party
- Do you or the other party have any insurance coverage (such as auto insurance, home insurance, or business insurance)?
- Did the injury cause hospitalization, medical treatment, surgery, or missed work?
- Did the accident happen within the last 2 years?
If you answered YES to ALL of the questions, we may be a good match. Contact us for a free case evaluation. We will discuss your options, and answer your questions regarding your personal injury case. Attorney Barry Bellovin wants to determine, by listening to you, how to best protect your rights and minimize the impact of an injury caused by another’s carelessness on your day to day life thus giving you the ability to focus on getting well.
