Spinal injuries such as herniated and bulging disks are frequent injuries resulting from car accidents. These injuries can be caused by the rapid back and forth movements during and after the initial impact of a collision, commonly referred to as whiplash. Bulging and herniated disks can be very painful but luckily can be treated.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident resulting in a spinal injury such as a bulging disk, it is in your best interest to at least discuss your situation with an experienced car accident lawyer. With over 60 years of combined experience, our personal injury attorneys help ease the physical, financial, and emotional burdens on those who have been injured at no fault of their own every single day. With millions of dollars in compensation recovered for car accident victims, we’re here to help you. Contact the award-winning legal team at Cavanaugh & Thickens today for a complimentary case evaluation.

Symptoms of a Bulging Disk

A herniated or bulging disk is an issue with a rubbery cushion (disk) that sits between the interlocking bones forming your spine. A herniated/bulging disk can occur in any part of the spine, causing a range of symptoms including but not limited to:

  • Pain
  • Pain that worsens with movements
  • Pain that sharpens with movements
  • Tingling
  • Weakness, and more.

If the herniated disk is located in the neck (a common result from car wrecks), you may feel pain in your shoulder and/or arm that worsens when coughing, sneezing, or other movements.

If the herniated disk is in the lower back, you will likely feel pain in the lower back, buttocks, thigh, calf, and/or foot.

It’s important to note that symptoms of a herniated disk after an accident may develop immediately or gradually over the course of weeks or months. This is one of the many reasons why you should always seek medical treatment immediately following an accident, even if you feel okay.

Diagnosis and Treatments For Herniated or Bulging Disks After an Accident

Unfortunately, pain in the neck is very common following a car accident. Many emergency rooms will X-ray accident victims who complain of neck/back pain; however, X-rays are not equipped to show injured disks. To determine if you have herniated or bulging disks, your doctor will likely order an MRI, the most common imaging test for a suspected herniated disks, or a CT scan. 

Generally, diagnosis for disk injuries may include:

  • X-rays
  • MRI 
  • CT
  • EMG – EMG’s can reveal if a herniated disk is pinching any nerves
  • SPECT – SPECT is often used to detect stress fractures, spondylosis, tumors, or infections in the spine
  • Myelogram – This detects conditions affecting the spinal cord and nerves within the spinal canal

There are many forms of treatment your doctor may recommend to help with pain from a bulging or herniated disk after a car accident. Commonly, your doctor will start with conservative treatments and become more aggressive if the injury or pain worsens. 

Treatment plans for disk injuries may include:

Non-Surgical Treatments

  • Rest – Your doctor may advise that you maintain a low level of activity for days to weeks to help decrease any spinal nerve inflammation.
  • Medication – In addition to rest, you may be prescribed anti-inflammatory medication such as an epidural injection.
  • Rehabilitation – Your doctor may also recommend physical therapy to create a personal treatment plan that can include pelvic traction, massages, ice/heat therapy, stretching, and more.

If these methods do not reduce or end your pain, your doctor may recommend surgery.

Surgical Treatments

  • Lumbar Spine Surgery
  • Cervical Spine Surgery
  • Surgery Follow-Ups

How Will a Personal Injury Lawyer Help Me?

If you’ve suffered from a spinal injury such as a herniated or bulging disk after a car accident, then you may be eligible to receive compensation to help cover any costs associated with the accident. An experienced South Carolina personal injury lawyer will work with you to understand your situation and optimize your injury claim, fighting to get you fair compensation for all damages caused by the accident, such as:

  • Past, Current, and Future Medical Bills – This includes compensation for any medical costs related to the accident and injuries, such as tests/screenings, emergency room visits, physical therapy appointments, surgery, follow up visits, and more.
  • Past and Future Time Missed From Work – If your injuries have prevented you from working, you may be eligible for compensation for missed days/weeks.
  • Car/Property Damage – This includes compensation for your car and any personal belongings that were damaged in the accident.
  • Reduced Earning Capacity – If your injuries prevent you from returning to work in the same capacity, you may be eligible for reduced earning capacity compensation.
  • Pain and Suffering – In addition to physical pain, accidents often cause emotional trauma. We will work with you to seek compensation for any emotional damages the accident caused as well as any associated mental health counseling costs related to the accident.
  • Additional Damages – Our team will help you understand what other damages you may be eligible to receive based on the specifics of your case. 

Our offices are currently accepting new clients. To learn more about what you may qualify for based on your specific situation, simply contact our office today at (803) 888-2200, email info@ctlawsc.com, or fill out our online form.

Get a Free Car Accident Case Evaluation

No matter what stage of the personal injury claims process you are in, our team is here to help you and answer any questions you may have. If you or a loved one has been in a car accident and is now suffering from bulging or herniated disks, you don’t have to go through this process alone. Allow us to take on the legal burden for you so you can focus on what’s most important: healing. You can rest assured knowing you and your legal case are in good hands. Get a free case evaluation today by calling our office at (803) 888-2200. We are available for you 24/7.