If you were recently in a car accident, then you might start to notice some pain and discomfort in the hours and days after the initial collision. Are you wondering, “Can a herniated disc cause permanent nerve damage?” Some car accident injuries can actually take a bit of time for you to fully experience the symptoms as your body is racing with adrenaline, which can actually mask pain and other symptoms. Back and neck pain are commonly reported symptoms of people who have been in car accidents. One reason why you might be experiencing back or neck pain after a car accident is disc herniation. A herniated disc can compress nearby nerves and even lead to temporary nerve damage. In order to avoid permanent nerve damage, you will need to get herniated disc treatment as soon as possible.
Anatomy of the Spine and Discs
The human spine, also known as the vertebral column, is a complex structure that plays a crucial role in providing support and flexibility to the body while also protecting the spinal cord. Understanding the anatomy of your spine helps you better understand how conditions like herniated discs affect you.
The spine is made up of 33 bones, divided into five parts: the neck, upper and mid-back, lower back, sacrum, and tailbone. These bones support our body and protect important organs. Between each vertebra are cushion-like discs that help absorb shock and allow us to move. These discs have two parts: a tough outer layer and a soft inner layer. They help us bend, twist, and keep our spine stable. Sometimes, these discs can get damaged, like when the soft inner part bulges out through a tear in the tough outer part. This can press on nearby nerves and cause pain.
Herniated Disc Symptoms
A herniated disc can cause a variety of symptoms that can also depend on the location of the herniated disc. If you suffer a herniated disc in your neck, you might develop shooting or stabbing pains that radiate through your shoulder and into your arm. While a herniated disc in your lower back may cause pain that shoots through your hips, buttocks, and legs, you may also experience pain, stiffness, and soreness in the area where the herniated disc is located. A herniated disc can also cause tingling and numbness in other parts of the body. You might find yourself wondering, “Are herniated discs permanent?” and while the actual herniation is likely to resolve eventually, herniated disc nerve damage is a long-term possibility if the issue is left untreated.
What Causes a Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc is a common experience with car accident victims in the neck and lower back. Whiplash is the most common of all car accident injuries because the neck is not restrained and protected while you are in a vehicle. An injury like whiplash can make you more susceptible to a herniated disc. A herniated disc in your lower back can also cause sciatica, which is a type of lower back pain where the sciatic nerve is aggravated or injured. Herniated discs are also sometimes referred to as slipped discs and can occur with improper lifting techniques, too.
Nerve Damage Explained
Understanding the different types of nerve damage helps understand the potential impacts of a herniated disc. Nerve damage can generally be categorized into two types: temporary and permanent. Temporary nerve damage occurs when the nerves are affected but can recover over time. Once the pressure is relieved, the nerves can often return to normal function. Inflammatory responses to injury or disease can temporarily impair nerve function. Permanent nerve damage occurs when the nerves become severely injured or destroyed, leading to long-lasting or lifelong impairment. Prolonged or intense pressure on a nerve can lead to permanent loss of function if the nerve is damaged beyond repair.
Symptoms of Nerve Damage from a Herniated Disc
When a herniated disc compresses nearby nerves, it can lead to a range of symptoms. These symptoms can vary in intensity and are often localized to the area served by the affected nerve. Common symptoms include:
- Pain: This can be localized pain near the site of the herniation or radiate along the nerve pathway. For example, a herniated disc in your lower back may cause sciatica, characterized by pain radiating down the leg.
- Numbness and Tingling: These sensations can occur in areas served by the compressed nerve, such as the arms, hands, legs, or feet.
- Weakness: Muscle weakness may occur in the areas served by the affected nerve, potentially affecting common actions like grip strength or the ability to lift objects.
In more severe cases of nerve compression due to a herniated disc, additional and more serious symptoms can occur. These severe symptoms may include loss of bowel or bladder control and severe muscle weakness. This can occur if the herniation affects the nerves that control these functions, indicating a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. Significant weakness in the muscles served by the compressed nerve, potentially leading to difficulty in performing everyday tasks or even paralysis in extreme cases. If you’ve found yourself worrying, “Can a herniated disc cause permanent nerve damage?” look to the team at AICA College Park to help you work through your symptoms and make a plan to alleviate concerns.
Treatment Options for a Herniated Disc
Non-surgical treatments are often the first line of defense for managing symptoms of a herniated disc and nerve damage. These less invasive treatments aim to reduce pain and inflammation, as well as improve function after a herniated disc.
- Rest: Taking a break from activities that aggravate symptoms can allow the body to heal and reduce inflammation.
- Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises and stretching can strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and alleviate pressure on the affected nerve.
- Medications: Over-the-counter or prescription medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants, and pain relievers can help manage pain and inflammation.
- Epidural Steroid Injections: Corticosteroids injected into the space around the spinal cord can provide temporary relief by reducing inflammation and easing pain.
When non-surgical treatments fail to provide adequate relief or if symptoms worsen, surgery may be considered. Surgery for a herniated disc is typically recommended when:
- Severe pain or weakness persists despite conservative treatments.
- There is evidence of nerve damage or compression affecting bowel or bladder function.
- The herniation is causing progressive neurological deficits or loss of sensation.
Is a Herniated Disc Permanent?
Permanent damage from a herniated disc is relatively rare but can occur, especially in cases of prolonged nerve compression like an untreated herniated disc. The likelihood of permanent damage depends on several factors, including:
- Severity of Compression: The severity of pressure on the affected nerve can impact the extent of nerve damage.
- Duration of Compression: Prolonged compression of nerves can increase the risk of permanent damage. Delayed diagnosis and treatment may exacerbate nerve injury over time.
- Location and Size of Herniation: The location and size of the herniated disc can affect which nerves are affected and the severity of symptoms. Large herniations or those pressing on critical areas may pose a higher risk of permanent damage.
- Individual Health Factors: Underlying health conditions, such as diabetes or autoimmune disorders, can affect nerve health and healing capacity, potentially influencing the likelihood of permanent damage.
How to Prevent Permanent Damage
While not all cases of herniated discs can be prevented, several strategies can help minimize the risk of permanent damage and promote optimal recovery:
- Early Diagnosis and Treatment: Prompt recognition and management of herniated disc symptoms are crucial for preventing complications and minimizing nerve damage. Seek medical attention if you experience persistent or worsening symptoms, such as severe pain, weakness, or loss of sensation.
- Conservative Treatments: Non-invasive approaches, including rest, physical therapy, and medications, are often effective in relieving symptoms and facilitating recovery. Following your recommended treatment plan can help prevent the progression of nerve damage.
- Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking, can promote spinal health and reduce the risk of disc degeneration and herniation.
- Proper Body Mechanics: Practicing proper lifting techniques, maintaining good posture, and using ergonomic furniture and equipment can reduce strain on the spine and decrease the risk of disc injury.
- Regular Exercise and Strengthening: Engaging in regular exercise, particularly activities that strengthen the core muscles that support the spine, can help improve spinal stability and reduce the risk of disc herniation.
- Avoiding Repetitive Strain: Minimize activities that involve repetitive bending, twisting, or lifting heavy objects, as these actions can increase the risk of disc injury over time.
By taking proactive steps to prevent disc herniation and promptly addressing symptoms, you can reduce the likelihood of permanent herniated disc nerve damage and fully heal.
Get Help at AICA College Park
The sooner you see a doctor for your car accident injury, the more quickly you can get started on a treatment plan to resolve your symptoms and address the root cause. Visit a car accident doctor at AICA Orthopedics in College Park and get started on treatment and relief for a herniated disc. Our team of doctors can help you avoid permanent nerve damage from a herniated disc.