Can a Car Accident Cause a Herniated Disc?

Can a car accident cause herniated discs in the back? Absolutely. When a person is in a car accident, the forces of whipping the body back and forth in the vehicle can put serious strain on the spinal column. This pressure can cause a part of the spine (the disc) to move out of place or even rupture. Know the symptoms of a herniated disc by clicking this LINK.

What is a herniated disc and a bulging disc?

The disc is that part of your spine between each of the vertebrae in the back. So, if there is enough strain put on the spine, the disc can crack causing the inner filling of the disc to push out through the tear. This is a herniation of the disc. If the disc does not tear, but the outer layer of cartilage bulges out, this is a bulging disc.

Analogy: Think of your discs like a seat cushion. Whenever you sit on the cushion, it expands due to the pressure. When you stand, the seat cushion retracts. Over time, if you do not take care of the seat, the sides may bust open. A seam may tear and part of the cushion make come out. If you jump on the seat, you could cause immediate damage to the cushion and the seams.

Both herniated discs and bulging discs can be very painful. When a disc slips out of the spinal column, even a little bit, it can press against nerves which will cause severe pain in the back and neck. Because nerves are involves, slipped discs can even cause hand and foot pain.

Other helpful resources:

What are the symptoms of a herniated disc?

What are the treatment options for a herniated disc?

What types of surgery will treat a herniated disc?