Truck Accident Spinal Cord Injuries
Herniated Disc
The spinal cord is an extremely sensitive structure and can be injured in a number of ways in a semi-truck accident. As Missouri truck accident lawyers, one of the most common spinal cord we see is a herniated disc, also called a bulging disc, slipped disc, protruded disc, or a pinched nerve. In fact, the majority of our firm's cases involve herniated discs. We know first-hand how devastating these injuries can be. The video below illustrates how the disc becomes injured and compresses the nerve roots.
Symptoms of a Herniated Disc
Nerves transmit signals from the brain. Some nerves affect motor function which is the ability to move. Other nerves carry signals that your brain interprets as your sense of touch. When nerves are compressed by a herniated disc, this can result in disruption of any of these signals thereby causing numerous effecs.
Radiating Pain
One of the most classic symptoms of a herniated disc is called radiating pain. "Radiating" means that the pain generally travels from a point in your back down through your arm or leg. The nerves from your cervical spine (neck) run into your shoulders and down to your fingers. Nerves from your lumbar spine (low back) run into your hips and legs. Thus, a herniated disc in your cervical spine will often cause pain that runs into your arms. A herniated disc in your lumbar spine will cause you to feel pain down your legs.
Numbness and Tingling
Another classic symptom of a herniated or bulging disc is numbness and tingling. Some people injured in a semi-truck tractor-trailer crash may feel these symptoms in their arms in legs instead of pain. In others, the numbness and tingling may alternate with pain. But like radiating pain, it will travel down the arms and legs.
Muscle Weakness
Because the some nerves control motor function, their compression can affect muscle control. This can result in muscle weakness. It is often tested by a neurologist or orthopedist through reflex testing.
Bladder and Bowel Problems (Incontinence)
Another classic symptom of a herniated disc is incontinence. Essentially, this means trouble holding going to the bathroom. This is a very severe symptom and requires immediate medical assistance. If you are experiencing bladder or bowel problems after a truck accident, go to the emergency room immediately.
Treatment of a Herniated Disc
A herniated disc is a very serious medical condition. If not properly treated immediately, it can result in life-long permanent nerve damage including paralysis. Treatment depends on the severity of the herniation. The possibilities range from physical therapy, to epidural steroid injections to various surgeries such as a discectomy, fusion, and disc replacement.
After handling many truck crash cases resulting in a herniated disc, we believe the best course of action is to first consult with an orthopedic spine specialist. Many people make the mistake of seeing their general practitioner or family doctor. However, they are often not extensively specialized with treatment of a herniated disc and will simply write you a prescription for pain medicine and instruct you to return in a month if the problems persist.
What If You Don't Have Health Insurance
A herniated disc is a serious condition and often requires expensive treatment. However, many people fail to get this treatment because they do not have health insurance and cannot afford to pay for the treatment as it is acquired. If you have been injured in a tractor-trailer crash, call our Missouri Truck Wreck Attorneys immediately. We have developed relationships with many specialists across the state and can make arrangements for you to get all of the necessary treatment. You will often not be required to pay any money for your care up front. Rather, the doctors will be paid at the end of the case out of your settlement.
|