Herniated Disc as a Result of an Accident

Orlando, Florida

A herniated disc is one of the most common injuries suffered in an auto accident. Sometimes the disc injury heals quickly but most of the time the victim suffers long-term chronic pain. The victim should seek the help of an experienced attorney to get the monetary compensation they deserve for all damages including hospital bills, loss of income and pain and suffering.

Herniated Disc

The discs are like shock absorbers tucked in between each of the vertebrae in the spinal column. Theyre rounded with an external shell and a liquid middle. Theyve often been compared to jelly donuts. When the disc is injured from trauma such as a car accident, the jelly center can leak from the disc. If the disc presses into the spinal column impacting a nerve it can radiate extreme pain throughout the entire body. Here are some symptoms of a herniated disc:

• Feeling of numbness or weakness in one or both of your legs
• Intermittent pain with periods of pain increasing over time
• Loss of mobility, strength and feeling in legs and feet
• Loss of bowel, bladder and/or sexual functions

To avoid more extensive damage, its imperative to get medical attention. Herniated discs are not visible on an x-ray. A patient needs a CT scan or MRI test for an accurate diagnosis. Other diagnostic options include: a discography, myelography or electromyography.

If the patient is diagnosed with a herniated disc, the following activities and lifestyle options should be minimized or refrained from to avoid further suffering:

• Exposure to constant vibration (such as driving)
• Extended periods of sitting
• Extreme physical exertion
• Frequent back-bending or back-twisting
• Lifting or pulling heavy objects
• Repetitive motion
• Strenuous physical activity especially if middle aged or older
• Being overweight
• Smoking

Treatment

The herniation of the disc can shrink over time and patients may feel relief within six months. But other patients may have to live with a lifetime of chronic pain. Various treatments can offer permanent or temporary relief. Nonsurgical options include:

• Prescription pain medications
• Cold and/or heat therapy
• Hydrotherapy
• Stretching and some aerobic exercise
• Traction
• Electrical stimulation
• Bracing

About one in ten people get surgery for a herniated disk. If youre experiencing significant muscle weakness and/or loss of bowel and bladder control, surgery may be your best option:

• Minimally invasive procedures
• Decompression procedures

Lawsuit

An insurance companys defense attorney will use many tactics to save their client money. A typical strategy is to ask if the victim has a pre-existing condition that caused the herniated disc. Youll need an experienced personal injury litigator to maneuver through the legal logistics in dealing with large insurance companies.

In Orlando, Florida, if youre suffering for a herniated disc injury from an auto accident, please contact the personal injury specialists at Colling, Gilbert, Wright & Carter. Well aggressively fight to get the financial compensation you and your family deserves to ease your financial concerns and take care of your medical expenses and your future.