Herniated Disc

While you can have a herniated disc in any part of the neck or spine, herniated discs are most commonly felt in the lower back. Because a herniated disc puts pressure on the nerves around the area where the disc is damaged, many people will experience feelings of numbness or tingling. Signs and symptoms of a herniated disc include:

• Pain in the arms and legs
• Pain on one side of the body
• Pain that becomes more severe after sitting or standing for long periods
• Pain when walking
• Muscle weakness

There are some very serious complications that are associated with a severely herniated disc that results from a car accident. One of those complications is called cauda equina syndrome. Cauda equina syndrome occurs when a slipped disc cuts off nerve impulses to the nerve roots just above the waist and below the spine. This can cause someone to lose bladder or bowel control.

A severely herniated disc can also lead to permanent nerve damage around the inner thighs, the back of the legs, and around the lower back, also known as saddle anesthesia. Because of these serious complications, it’s highly advised to seek medical attention when faced with a herniated disc after a car crash. If you’re experiencing back or neck pain, or tingling sensations, contact our office today for a full examination. Our chiropractic care includes MRI exams for accurate diagnoses of herniated discs.

There is a long list of everyday activities that people should avoid after being diagnosed with a herniated disc. These include, but are not limited to:

• Sitting for long periods of time
• Household chores such as laundry, vacuuming, or gardening. Any task that involves bending over should be avoided.
• Strenuous or high-impact exercises such as running or jogging
• Sports activities

We understand that a herniated disc isn’t only painful, it also places many limits on your daily life. This is a key reason why a herniated disc should be diagnosed and treated with the utmost care. Schedule an appointment at our Lauderhill office if you’re concerned about a herniated disc after you’ve been in a car accident.

It’s never recommended to leave a herniated disc untreated. While someone with a high tolerance for pain might try to allow a herniated disc to heal on its own, choosing not to treat a herniated disc can result in even more severe pain and further injuries. As mentioned above, an untreated herniated disc can lead to cauda equina syndrome. Cauda equina syndrome occurs when a slipped disc cuts off nerve impulses to the nerve roots just above the waist and below the spine. This can cause someone to lose bladder or bowel control.

In addition, untreated herniated or slipped discs can lead to saddle anesthesia, which is nerve damage around the back of the legs and inner thighs. These conditions aren’t only serious, they can also be permanent. Medical professionals highly recommended treating a herniated disc caused by a car accident as soon as possible. Remember that a herniated disc and other car accident injuries may exhibit delayed signs and symptoms.

Remember that all of our patients will receive a medical consultation to discuss symptoms and a customized treatment plan for their auto accident injuries. Your herniated disc treatment plan will depend on the severity of your injury, your current health, your age, and other factors. No two car accidents or two bodies are the same, so we make sure to customize each treatment for a herniated disc. However, some general treatments of a herniated disc often include physical therapy, massage therapy, over-the-counter pain medications, gentle stretching and exercise, and rest. To learn more about common treatments for a herniated disc, contact First Choice Wellness today.

Yes. At First Choice Wellness, you aren’t only receiving a combination of medical and chiropractic care, you’re also gaining access to our network of lawyers that can help you file claims and receive compensation for your car accident injuries. Settlements for cases of a herniated disc will vary due to the severity of the injury and the circumstances surrounding the accident. In order to receive compensation for a herniated disc, it’s important to work with an experienced car injury lawyer who can negotiate on your behalf and guide you through the legal procedures. To learn more about receiving medical care as well as compensation for a herniated disc, contact First Choice Wellness today to learn more about our comprehensive legal services.