Are You Suffering From a Bulging Disc?

Have you experienced an accident and are now living with a bulging disc? This medical issue is serious, often resulting in persistent pain or even permanent nerve damage.

Genthe Law Firm treats this topic thoroughly and can help you understand the severity of this injury and gain compensation. Let’s explore what a bulging disc entails and its ramifications for your life post-accident.

What Exactly is a Bulging Disk in the Neck?

Have you ever heard of a bulging disc in the neck after an automobile accident? This injury is far too common, and it happens when trauma from the crash causes a disc within your cervical spine to protrude outside its normal space between vertebrae. When this occurs, the actual bulge can either cause pain or compress and pressure nerve roots nearby.

woman at doctor's office with bulging disc in her neck after a car accident

The spine comprises vertebrae cushioned by spinal discs, rubbery cartilage-like substances. These discs act as shock absorbers for our bones, allowing us to stay agile and secure. These discs contribute significantly to maintaining a healthy posture, particularly in our necks.

The spinal cord is a collection of nerve fibers that extend from the brain to the rest of your body. This bundle travels through a canal shielded by interlocking vertebrae, known as the spinal column. With it, you can experience sensations and feel movement in all areas of your body!

Signs Your Car Accident Resulted in a Bulging Disc

Have you been involved in a car accident? If so, be aware of the following signs and symptoms that may indicate that you have suffered from a bulging disc in your neck. It is highly important to seek medical attention immediately if any of these are present:

  • Neck pain
  • Limited range of neck motion
  • Whiplash
  • Inflammation
  • Pain in the shoulders, chest, or arms
  • Numbness and weakness in arms and fingers

Diagnosis and Testing for a Bulging Disc After an Accident

Often, the predominant symptom of a herniated disc in the neck after an automobile accident is pain. Regrettably, most emergency rooms are unlikely to order more advanced diagnostic imaging if they just observe a simple neck X-ray;. At the same time, this method can detect bone fractures from vertebrae well enough, it fails to pick up any ruptured discs. To gain full insight into these kinds of injuries, such as deformities or bulges, one must turn to CT scans and MRIs for complete accuracy. Most doctors will perform a physical exam and order the following diagnostic tests to confirm a diagnosis:

  • X-rays
  • CT Scans
  • MRI
  • EMG
  • SPECT
  • Myelography

 How to Treat a Bulging Disc

If you suffer from a bulging disc in the neck resulting from an auto accident, it is ideal to begin with less aggressive treatments like physical therapy. However, if your discomfort and impairment persist or worsen over time, more invasive options may be required to minimize further damage. To avoid long-term nerve harm caused by this injury, surgery can become necessary when other conservative approaches have been exhausted.

Different neck surgeries that can treat a bulging disc include the following:

  • Fusion surgery that joins two vertebrae to stop the pain
  • Discectomy surgery that removes the bulging portion of a disc
  • Laminectomy/Decompression that relieves spinal canal pressure
  • Artificial disc implant for stability and ease of pain

Other treatment approaches are:

  • Pain medication
  • Steroid injections
  • Physical therapy

Never Let Your Pain Fester

Following a car accident, the quicker one begins treatment for a bulging disc in their neck, the higher the likelihood they have of making an extensive functional recovery.

Getting treatment directly after receiving an injury helps to prevent further damage that can be disabling and potentially permanent. Such an injury carries immense pain as well as pressure on nerve roots, which can have serious implications if not addressed promptly.

Always Get a Referral

If you believe you have a ruptured disc, obtaining the appropriate diagnostic imaging tests is essential. This way, your doctor can diagnose and treat you properly. An X-ray taken in an emergency room or at a doctor’s office won’t detect this condition; only specialized testing will enable your physician to determine the best course of action for treatment and refer you to the right specialists who can assist with recovery.

Document Your Pain and Suffering

By documenting the presence of a bulging disc in your neck after an auto accident, you can preemptively protect yourself from potential issues with both your insurer and healthcare provider.

To establish the motor vehicle crash as the cause of your neck injury and its accompanying disc issues, it will be beneficial to provide early medical documentation—like detailing related pain at an emergency room or through family doctor visits. This evidence will prove invaluable in proving that there is indeed a link between car accidents and subsequent symptoms.

Prompt action on medical matters hastens recovery, and providing supporting records in advance creates concrete proof of causation that insurance companies need to consider reimbursement requests.

Don’t think that you can just “tough it out”: a bulging disc in the neck after an accident is more than likely not something to take lightly. If left untreated, it has the potential to cause lifelong pain and impairments. At our personal injury firm, we have seen far too many cases of people who did not seek help immediately for minor injuries and ended up suffering greater damage due to their inaction. A bulging disc injury should be thought of as a ticking time bomb within your spine – don’t let its effects become worse!

Work With a Personal Injury Attorney for Maximum Compensation

If you’ve been in an accident, look for a lawyer with experience handling bulging disc cases following car accidents and understanding the medical implications of these injuries. A personal injury lawyer with specific expertise in automobile crashes and comprehensive knowledge of motor vehicle crash litigation can help ensure that your settlement adequately compensates you for your bulging disc injury.

At Genthe Law Firm, our lawyers have been resolutely representing injury victims and their families across Texas for many years. With hundreds of cases litigated to date, we are committed to providing tailored legal support.

Never Sign a Settlement

Do not agree to any agreements, waivers, or settlements concerning the car accident until you have spoken with a knowledgeable lawyer looking out for your well-being.

Get Compensation and Justice With Genthe Law Firm, Today!

Have you recently been injured in an accident and now suspect or have a bulging disc?  You deserve maximum compensation after any personal injury. Gain the justice you deserve through Genthe Law Firm. Our team of compassionate personal injury lawyers will review your case and help you prove opposing parties were at fault.

Maximum compensation is always our goal and usually our result. That’s why we offer our Genthe Guarantee, which means you don’t pay us until we recover for you.

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