“Ruptured” or “slipped” discs commonly refer to herniated discs (herniate means to stick out or bulge). These discs are like soft cushions which exist in-between each of your spine’s 26 vertebrae, and herniated discs are relatively common in auto accidents, especially in the lower part of the backbone known as the “lumbar spine.”
Herniated discs occur when there is a tear in the disc’s outer fibrous ring, which causes a leak from its jelly-like center and pushes the disc’s central portion outward to the area of damage. The disc then irritates surrounding nerves, which can cause pain extending from the back to the legs. The location of pain may depend on exactly which disk/s have been damaged: some patients have reported pain through the buttocks and into the thigh and calf of one leg, while others have reported pain in both legs and still others suffer from numbness and tingling in the legs and feet. Herniated discs are generally diagnosed in a physical exam and occasionally with imaging tests.
The energy that is transferred into the seat backs of a vehicle during an accident can do its damage in a split second: the seat is compressed by the torso, which can cause axial (up-and-down) compression of the spine, and the thoracic spine is straightened while the area from the C1 to the sciatica is compressed. While most individuals over thirty years of age (especially senior citizens) have spine/disc degeneration to some extent, this degeneration can weaken discs and their outermost rings, known as “annulus fibrosus,” making them more prone to injury over time.
Recovery from symptomatic spinal disc injuries commonly includes anti-inflammatory and pain medication, rest, and physical therapy. The most severe pain is caused by active movement due to the pressure placed on nerves, which eases during periods of rest. Some spinal disc injuries can cause lifelong complications, especially if medical treatment is not sought immediately, which is why accepting medical attention as soon as possible after an accident is crucial for both your health and your legal case.
If you or a loved one has suffered a head, neck, or spine injury in an accident, contact America’s Consumer Lawyer, LLC for a free consultation. We are a Chicago-based injury law firm representing individuals (and their families) who have suffered an injury in an accident. We will handle your case quickly and advise you every step of the way, and we will not hesitate to go to trial for you.
Lastly, America’s Consumer Lawyer is not paid attorneys’ fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. You have nothing to risk when you hire us – only the opportunity to seek justice.
