A herniated disc from a car accident is one of the most common forms of acute and spontaneous traumatic disc injury. The tremendous forces inflicted on the body and spine during a collision can rip apart muscle and bone, causing a variety of painful conditions and possibly even lasting disability.
This discussion will examine the incidence of intervertebral herniation which is directly caused or perceived to be caused by motor vehicle collisions. We will investigate the physical reasons why spinal damage takes place, as well as cover the psychological consequences of auto accidents.
Acute Herniated Disc from a Car Accident
Most injuries from a car wreck are not too serious. The automobiles of today are better prepared to handle and distribute the force of impact and feature some of the best safety devices in history. Seat belts, airbags and better body designs all help minimize the collateral damage to human occupants in the event of a crash.
However, injuries are still commonplace in a severe accident. Cuts, bruises and minor broken bones are by far the most frequently suffered conditions. Muscular injuries are also found throughout the body. Whiplash is common in many crashes and is especially prevalent in rear end collisions.
Any significant crash might produce enough general or targeted force to herniate one or more discs in the spine. Sudden herniated disc injuries are likely to be painful and do not typically resemble the asymptomatic version of a bulging disc due to normal degenerative changes in the spine.
MVA Herniated Disc Facts
Herniated discs might produce agonizing misery when they first occur. This is especially true in car crashes, since there is likely to be other pain caused by a variety of injuries and it is sometimes difficult to diagnose the full extent of anatomical damage for some time.
As long as there is no obvious medical emergency caused by the bulging disc, such as cauda equina syndrome, the pain should improve over the course of days or weeks. It is not uncommon for this type of acute pain to last as long as 2 months. However, most disc conditions will eventually feel much better, even without any specific medical care.
Chronic back pain is a common result of a car accident, but is rarely actually caused by lasting structural injury. Far more often, the pain endures because of the nocebo effect of the event and the diagnostic process used to determine the specific injuries. For patients who are eligible to commence legal litigation due to a car crash, the influence of secondary gain might also be a factor in perpetuating their pain.
Help for Herniated Discs from Car Accidents
Recovering from a car crash will take time and effort, both physically and emotionally. You must remember that the body is designed to heal. You must also set the right tone for this healing process to occur, by understanding the nature of your injuries and learning the facts about herniated discs.
Do not get lost in an endless treatment regimen, since it can only make your pain last longer than it normally would. Instead, do everything possible to recover completely and get back to living a normal life, free from pain, injury and medical care. Breaking the old stereotype of needing to be a permanent patient after a car crash takes intestinal fortitude and courage, but can be accomplished.
As with most spinal conditions, I always feel that knowledge therapy is a valuable tool in overcoming the actual injuries and especially the nocebo effect caused by the great trauma. I wish you a complete recovery and hope this website will help you to achieve it.
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