A client of our law firm has inquired about what treatments are available for herniated disc injuries? This particular client's herniated disc was suffered in a car accident and is in the neck or cervical region. No further personal data will be discussed for purposes of privacy. The information contained in this article is transferable and helpful to anyone suffering from a herniated disc who is interested in knowing the various types of treatment modalities offered by neurologists, neurosurgeons, anesthesiologists and orthopedic surgeons. For the most part, whether the disc injury is to the cervical spine or it's a herniated lumbar disc, is of only limited significance as the treatments for each are relatively similar.
Your herniated cervical disc is a frequent injury resulting from motor vehicle collisions especially those suffered during rear-end impacts. In such an impact, the occupant suffers what's called a flexion extension injury in which the head is thrown forward and then backward causing an abrupt flexion, i.e. bending forward and extension, i.e., bending backward of the upper portion of the human spine called the cervical spine or the neck. This can cause injury to any of the various structures associated with the cervical spine including the intervertebral discs, the bony vertebrae themselves, or the muscles, tendons, ligaments or nerves that serve and surround that part of our anatomy.
Initially an emergency room doctor or a family physician will usually assess the patient following the motor vehicle collision. With complaints of neck pain there will usually be accompanying stiffness and decreased range of motion. The first line of treatment is usually an x-ray to rule out any fractures of the vertebrae followed by the prescription of pain medication and anti-inflammatories to reduce swelling and spasms. The physician may also order a period of physical therapy in which a therapist will use various modalities including heat, ice, massage, stretching, and exercises to help break up spasms, relieve pain and restore range of motion.
For more information concerning the effects of motor vehicle accidents on the human body and particularly herniated discs, please continue reading within this blog and the Morici, Longo & Associates website. Our attorneys are available for free consultation seven days a week and often clients can get a call back within an hour by filling out an appropriate contact form within the site. For further questions or to seek compensation for spinal and other injuries caused by the negligence of others, please do not hesitate to contact us.