Disc Herniations After a Personal Injury Accident: What You Need to Know
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, slip and fall, or another type of personal injury accident, and you’re experiencing neck or back pain, it could be more than just muscle soreness—it might be a herniated disc. Also known as a slipped or ruptured disc, this type of spinal injury is common in high-impact accidents and can lead to long-term pain and serious complications if left untreated.
In this post, we’ll break down what a disc herniation is, how it happens, common symptoms, and how it can affect your personal injury claim.
What Is a Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc occurs when the soft, jelly-like center of a spinal disc pushes through a crack in the tougher exterior casing. This can irritate nearby nerves and cause pain, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg.
Disc herniations often happen in the cervical spine (neck) or lumbar spine (lower back)—areas that are especially vulnerable during car crashes, falls, or workplace accidents.
Understanding the Different Areas of the Spine in Personal Injury Cases
When it comes to spinal injuries such as herniated discs, it’s important to understand how the spine is structured and how different areas can be affected depending on the type of accident. The human spine is divided into four main regions, each with its own function and vulnerability to injury.
1. Cervical Spine (Neck)
The cervical spine includes the top seven vertebrae (C1–C7) and supports the head and neck. Injuries in this area are common in rear-end car accidents due to whiplash. A cervical disc herniation can cause neck pain, headaches, numbness in the arms or hands, and reduced mobility.
Common injury causes: Rear-end collisions, falls, sports injuries
Symptoms: Neck stiffness, radiating pain to arms, headaches, tingling in hands
2. Thoracic Spine (Upper and Mid-Back)
The thoracic spine is made up of 12 vertebrae (T1–T12) and connects to the rib cage. It is more stable than other regions, so herniations are less common—but when they occur, they can be serious.
Common injury causes: High-impact car crashes, falls from height
Symptoms: Mid-back pain, chest tightness, weakness in legs
3. Lumbar Spine (Lower Back)
The lumbar spine consists of five vertebrae (L1–L5) and bears much of the body’s weight. This is the most common site for herniated discs and lower back injuries in personal injury cases. Lumbar spine injuries can significantly impact mobility and quality of life.
Common injury causes: Car accidents, lifting injuries, slip and falls
Symptoms: Lower back pain, sciatica (pain down the leg), numbness in feet
4. Sacral Spine (Pelvis Area)
The sacral region includes five fused vertebrae (S1–S5) and connects the spine to the pelvis. Though injuries here are less common, trauma can lead to serious nerve damage, especially to the sciatic nerve.
Common injury causes: Severe accidents, falls onto the buttocks, crush injuries
Symptoms: Hip pain, loss of bladder/bowel control, leg weakness
How Do Personal Injury Accidents Cause Disc Herniations?
Trauma from a car accident, truck collision, or fall can place extreme force on the spine, causing discs to shift, rupture, or compress nerves. Even if you walked away from the accident without broken bones, you may still suffer from soft tissue or spinal injuries that take time to appear.
Whiplash, a common injury in rear-end collisions, can lead to disc herniation in the neck. Similarly, the force from a sudden impact can compress the lower spine, causing lumbar disc injuries.
Common Symptoms of a Herniated Disc After a Personal Injury Accident
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, slip and fall, or any type of personal injury incident, it’s important to recognize the signs of a potential herniated disc. This spinal injury can be painful, debilitating, and may require extensive medical treatment if not addressed early. Below are some of the most common symptoms associated with a herniated disc, especially after a traumatic event like a motor vehicle crash.
Sharp or Burning Pain
One of the most telling signs of a herniated disc is sharp or burning pain that radiates through the neck, shoulders, arms, back, or legs. This pain typically follows the path of a compressed nerve and may intensify during physical activity or certain movements.
Tingling or Numbness
If you’re experiencing tingling, pins-and-needles sensations, or numbness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet, it could be due to a disc pressing on a nerve. These symptoms are especially common in the cervical and lumbar spine after a car crash or fall.
Muscle Weakness
A herniated disc can interfere with nerve signals that control muscles, leading to noticeable muscle weakness. This may make it difficult to grip objects, climb stairs, or even maintain balance—symptoms that can severely impact daily life and qualify for personal injury compensation.
Difficulty Standing or Walking
Spinal disc injuries, especially in the lower back, can cause pain or pressure that makes it hard to stand, walk, or sit for long periods. This kind of reduced mobility is a strong indicator of a lumbar disc herniation, which often occurs in rear-end or high-impact auto accidents.
Pain That Worsens With Movement
Movements like bending, twisting, sitting, or even coughing can make herniated disc pain worse. These motions increase pressure on the spine and can aggravate an already damaged or inflamed disc. If your pain spikes during routine activities, it’s essential to consult a spinal injury specialist and seek legal guidance from a qualified personal injury attorney.
These symptoms can develop gradually, which is why it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately after any accident—even if you feel “okay” at first.
Can You File a Personal Injury Claim for a Herniated Disc?
Yes. If your herniated disc was caused by someone else’s negligence—whether in a motor vehicle accident, slip and fall, or workplace injury—you may be entitled to financial compensation. A successful personal injury claim can cover:
- Medical expenses (MRIs, physical therapy, surgery)
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term disability
However, proving that the disc herniation was caused by the accident (and not a pre-existing condition) requires strong medical documentation and top legal representation.
Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer
Insurance companies often downplay spinal injuries, claiming they’re the result of aging or wear and tear. That’s why it’s vital to have an experienced spinal injury lawyer who understands the complexity of these cases and can fight to protect your rights.
At Ried Pecina Trial Lawyers, we have successfully represented countless clients suffering from disc herniations after car accidents and falls. We work closely with medical experts, gather strong evidence, and aggressively negotiate to secure the compensation you deserve.
Call Us At (210) 893-0000 For A Free Consultation
If you’re suffering from a herniated disc or other spinal injury after a car accident, slip and fall, or personal injury incident, don’t wait to get the help you need. At Ried Pecina Trial Lawyers, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these injuries can take—and we’re here to fight for the compensation you deserve. Our experienced personal injury attorneys serve clients across San Antonio, Bandera, Fair Oaks Ranch, and surrounding Texas communities.
Call (210) 893-0000 now for a free consultation with a skilled injury lawyer. There are no upfront fees, and you don’t pay unless we win your case.
