Can an Illinois Car Accident Cause Disc Bulges or Herniations?

Injuries in a car accident can include neck or back pain. An MRI might reveal that you have a bulging or herniated disc somewhere along your spine. Bulging discs and herniated discs are not uncommon in auto accidents, and they can cause intense pain. If you have a disc injury following an auto accident, let an experienced Illinois car accident lawyer help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Bulging vs. Herniated Discs

The discs in between your vertebrae act as cushions. They have soft cartilage in the center and are surrounded by a layer of tough cartilage. As you age, your discs will show signs of wear and tear. The discs dehydrate as you age, and that causes the cartilage to stiffen. Those age-related changes can also cause a disc to bulge. The outer layer extends in one area, which can cause tremendous pain.

Herniated discs occur when the annulus fibrosus suffers a tear and the softer cartilage, known as gelatinous nucleus pulposus, starts to spill out. This spillage can put pressure on adjacent nerves, which causes even more pain. Radiating pain is known as radiculopathy, and it can be severe, requiring surgical intervention.

If you suffer radiculopathy from a herniated disc in your neck, you will have pain down your arms and maybe into your hands. If you suffer a herniated disc in your lower back, you could have pain into your legs and feet. You may even struggle with bladder control, which requires immediate medical assistance.

How do Car Accidents Cause Disc Injuries?

Physical trauma, like a car accident, can result in injuries to your spine. You might have already had a disc bulge prior to the accident, but the car accident aggravated it. Even if you have a bulge from degenerative disc disease, it does not mean that the accident did not worsen it. Some insurance companies will try to deny your claim for compensation by stating it is a pre-existing condition and, therefore, not entitled to recovery. This situation is one where you need an experienced attorney on your side.

With herniated discs, the impact causes your disc to rupture. It can also cause the disc to shift slightly, which puts even more pressure on your spinal nerves. The more pressure that is on your nerve, the more painful it is.

When you seek treatment right after the accident, an emergency room doctor may not diagnose your spinal issues. Spinal disc injuries are not visible on x-rays, which is why you need to follow up with a CT scan or an MRI.

Contact an Illinois Car Accident Lawyer

If you suffered spinal injuries in a car accident, you need a knowledgeable attorney on your side who can help you recover the compensation you deserve. Do not let the insurance company take advantage of you. Contact Brassfield & Krueger, Ltd., today to schedule a consultation.