When you are involved in an accident involving a spinal injury, the result may be significant pain, lost time from work, and a need for ongoing treatment. There are many different types of spinal injuries that can occur; one particularly serious example is a herniated disc. Every person has rubbery cushions, known as spinal discs, which exist between the individual vertebrae that make up our spine. The discs are made up of a tough exterior and a soft center.
A herniated disc occurs when the softer center of the spinal disc pushes out through a crack in the tough exterior. Unfortunately, these injuries are often not diagnosed based upon the initial visit to the emergency room because they do not readily show up on an x-ray image. As a result, it is important for victims to watch for the telltale symptoms.
After an Accident, Look for These 3 Symptoms of Herniated Discs
Since herniated discs can be difficult to diagnose via x-ray, it’s extremely important that you know which symptoms to be on the lookout for if you’ve been in an accident. Here are three symptoms that may indicate a herniated disc:
Pain in the arm or leg.
This pain may be persistent, or it may be a shooting pain that extends into the arm or leg after a cough, sneeze, or movement of the spine into certain positions. When the herniated disc is located in the lower back, the pain tends to concentrate in the buttocks, thigh, calf, and part of the foot. When the herniated disc is in the neck, the pain tends to present in the shoulder and arm.
Numbness or tingling in a body part.
Numbness or tingling in a body part that is served by the nerves affected by the injury.
Muscular weakness.
When you suffer from a herniated disk, the muscles served by the affected nerves may weaken. This may cause you to stumble and may also create difficulty in lifting or holding items.
Have You Been Injured In A Henderson Or Las Vegas Accident?
If you've been injured in an accident you need to speak with an personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our Henderson office directly at 702.405.6000 to schedule a free initial consultation.