A ruptured disc is serious, because it can press on the nearby nerves. A slipped, herniated, or ruptured disc can cause severe pain and dysfunction below the point of injury. These types of injuries are often caused by motor vehicle collisions.
Spinal discs play an important role in they way your spine functions -. They absorb shock and protect the other spinal structures from damage. Unfortunately, if the disc ruptures, you may be left with chronic pain and need surgery to repair the damage and re-stabilize your spine.Surgery may also be recommended treatment does not relieve the pain or if the injury causes material to press on the spinal cord.
There are nonsurgical treatment options such as physical therapy and injections of anti-inflammatory medications, but a diskectomy may be suggested if the disc is pressing on your nerve roots. That removal can be a permanent way to stop pain in some people, which is a major relief for those who have had chronic pain for the months following a motor vehicle collision.
Disc also surgery has risks, and it could make the pain worse for some. The damaged disc may be prone to ruptures again in the future. Injury to one disc may also lead to damage do another disc. Injury to one disc often leads to increased tension or pressure on nearby discs, resulting in damage to the neighboring discs as well.
Ruptured discs are serious, especially when they begin to affect the way your body works. As much as possible, you should try to exercise and avoid activities that would cause neck or back pain.. This may be a long recovery, so keep in mind that you may want to pursue a claim against the driver who struck you, so you can focus on your recovery and not the financial implications of your medical care.