What Happens After You Suffer A Herniated Disc From A Car Accident?
A herniated disc is one of the most common injuries from a car accident. In most instances, it can be treated without surgery. Following the accident, it is important that you take action immediately to reduce the pain and heal your back. If you are suffering from a herniated disc, here is what you need to know.
Is It Treatable at Home?
You can reduce the pain from a herniated disc using some at-home remedies. In fact, your doctor might recommend trying home treatment before exploring medical intervention. One of the most important things you can do for your back is to relax. Use a pillow to help keep your spine in a more natural alignment.
Another way you can alleviate the pain is by using ice or heat therapy. Use an ice pack or heating pad every few hours until you feel better. You can choose to alternate the treatments to get the most benefit.
Once you feel better, try walking. Walking on a level surface for short periods of time can help to improve your mobility and flexibility, which is crucial in your recovery. Over time, you might be able to start exercising again. Talk to your doctor about which exercises are best for your condition.
What If There Is No Relief?
If the pain persists, consult with your doctor about car accident injury treatment. He or she will likely refer you to a chiropractor. The chiropractor will evaluate your condition and create a treatment plan. The plan could include the use of cortisone injections and muscle relaxers. In addition to this, the chiropractor will rely on a combination of massage therapy, manipulations, and exercises to help your spine recover.
The chiropractic therapy could last for several weeks or months. The chiropractor will periodically re-evaluate your condition to determine how much progress has been made. In most instances, chiropractic care is enough.
Is Surgery Necessary?
For a small number of people, surgery is necessary to help with the recovery. Surgery is usually considered a last resort effort after non-surgical methods have not been as effective as hoped. Whether surgery is recommended depends largely on the symptoms you are still having. For instance, if you are having trouble walking or standing, surgery is likely the best course of treatment.
During surgery, the surgeon can remove the affected parts of the disc. There is also the possibility that the surgeon recommends implanting an artificial disc and removing the entire disc.