Spinal disc injuries often occur as a result of a serious car or truck collision. In the Gainesville and Ocala area we have represented many people with this type of injury and have gained familiarity with injury cases where back or neck injuries have occurred. A serious back injury can cause missed work, lost wages, pain and suffering, lost future income, and weight gain due to inactivity. A common indication of a disc injury is pain in the neck (cervical) area that can radiate into the upper extremities (arms) or pain in the low back (lumbar) area that can radiate into the lower extremities (legs).
Your body's initial response to a vehicular collision is the production of adrenaline. Adrenaline, a powerful hormone, can cause a feeling of euphoria that covers up your perception of serious injuries. This is a natural human response that makes us able to fight, or flee from a dangerous situation. But many confuse this initial response and assume they aren't really injured.
It is important to see a medical professional if symptoms of a disc or whiplash injury occur. Self-diagnosis, diagnosis from friends, relatives or lawyers is no substitute for a visit to a qualified physician.
Although there are a number of different tests to determine a disc injury, the "gold standard" is most often an MRI. This is an expensive test and must be ordered by a qualified medical professional after an appropriate examination and history. Florida Law requires that your own car insurance (PIP) generally pay 80% of your medical bills and 60% of your lost wages.
If the MRI, CT or other appropriate test shows a bulging or herniated disc, a referral to a neurosurgeon or orthopedic surgeon may be appropriate. It should be emphasized again that prompt examination by a qualified doctor is important because disc injuries, if untreated, can produce serious permanent harm.
