Herniated Disc

Why is an experienced attorney critical to my herniated disc case?

Without an experienced attorney representing you, it's possible that:

• the insurance company has denied your herniated disc claim,
• they have ignored your calls, hoping you tire and go away,
  
• they make an offer to you that is insulting,
• they have told you that your herniated disc didn't happen due to the accident, or that there is no physical evidence to support your injury claim.

DO NOT believe them.

A herniated disc is a legitimate injury that can be caused by an auto accident. Keller & Keller LLP has a strong understanding of herniated disc injuries, their treatment, and the insurance company's defense in regard to these injuries.

What is a disc?
Your spine contains many soft "cushion-like" pieces of material, otherwise known as discs, that separates vertebrae bone and are responsbile for the mobility in your back. Every time your body is in motion, it's likely that the discs in your spine are hard at work. The value of spinal discs cannot be taken for granted; they are the "shock absorbers" of the back! Without them, your mobility can be significantly reduced.

What is a herniated disc?
A herniated disc can occur in any part of your spine. The disc becomes damaged when the soft, rubbery center is pushed out through a weak point in the outer layer of the disc. The result is a bulging effect that can often push against nearby nerves located near the spine. Though herniated discs are commonly associated with aging and degeneration, it is just as likely to sustain this type of injury due to an auto accident.

How can an auto accident lead to a herniated disc?
For a disc to become misplaced, the spine must experience a sudden and violent stir. As you know, an auto accident is a likely source for sudden and violent collisions. Unfortunately, the impact of any auto collision must be absorbed, in part, by your body. The spine is obviously an area of the body that will not only be shaken violently, but perhaps damaged in any type of auto accident. A herniated disc can occur from any type of accident, whether they be head-on, rear-end, side impact, or rollovers.

What are the symptoms of a herniated disc?
only a physician can correctly and accurately diagnose a herniated disc; however, you may experience any of the following symptoms that indicate serious injury:

• numbness and tingling in the leg
• eletric shock-like pain
• back pain that radiates into the leg
• weakness in one or both legs (if weakness in both legs, seek immediate medical attention)
• burning sensation in the lower back
• loss of bladder control (seek immediate medical attention)
• loss of bowel control (seek immediate medical attention)
• pain in the front of the thigh
• muscle wekaness
• deep muscle pain and muscle spasms
  
  

How does a doctor detect a herniated disc?
A physician may use any number of methods to detect a torn rotator cuff. Generally, they will perform a physical examination that tests sensation, muscle strength, and reflexes. However, an MRI is also widely used in some instances to confirm the herniated disc. It is important to remember that an MRI is only valuable when it is performed in conjunction with a physical examination.

What treatment is available for a herniated disc?
Roughly 10% of people with herniated discs may require surgery, thus many people require a more traditional, non-evasive form of treatment. Non-surgical forms of treatment may include:

• non-prescription and prescription strength pain relievers,
• ice and heat appliction,
• steroid injections,
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs),
• home exercise,
• supervised physical therapy
  

If conservative treatment fails to address the injury, surgery may be an option. In this instance, your doctor may perform a mildly invasive procedure known as a disectomy. This procedure involves removing part or all of the problem disc. However, it is importnat to remember that many people with herniated discs are able to recover without the need for surgery.

Is a herniated disc the same as a bulging disc or pinched nerve?
Doctors use these terms interchangeably and there seems to be no specific distinction between the three. In most instance, all three terms will be referring to the same type of injury. It's also possible that a doctor may refer to your condition as a ruptured disc, torn disc, slipped disc, collapsed disc, disc protrusion, disc disease, or black disc.

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