The 26 vertebrae that make up your spine are separated and cushioned by gel-like discs. When one of these discs ruptures, it becomes a herniated disc, which may allow the bones to grind against each other. This could lead to a condition called intervertebral disc degeneration.
If you suffered intervertebral disc degeneration from an accident in New York, you may qualify to recover compensation. Work with Buttafuoco & Associates to file a lawsuit and build your case. Call us at 1-800-NOW-HURT.
What is intervertebral disc degeneration?
Intervertebral disc degeneration is a condition where the cushioning disc between vertebrae is depleted, causing a loss of flexibility and potential wear on the bones of the spine. Your discs naturally degenerate with age, but accidents can start the disc degeneration process too.
Disc degeneration and herniated discs go hand-in-hand. A herniated disc can begin or worsen the disc degeneration. Thus, an accident that causes a herniated disc, can contribute to disc degeneration and the symptoms it causes.
Symptoms typically include back or neck pain, as this condition most frequently affects the lower back (lumbar) and neck (cervical) vertebrae. Some patients with intervertebral disc degeneration also experience numbness or tingling in their legs or arms due to nerve compression related to the condition.
Proving your disc degeneration came from an accident will require extensive medical records and expert analysis of your imaging scans, medical history, and your accident. It is unlikely the insurance company will approve your claim for damages without concrete proof the accident caused the injury. A New York back injury lawyer at Buttafuoco & Associates can help you establish causation so you can recover damages.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
Persistent lower back or neck pain after an accident is a sign you should see your doctor, especially if self-care has proven ineffective. In fact, you should set up a doctor appointment after your accident, even if you do not feel injured. This can help identify injuries that may not manifest right away. A physical exam will tell your doctor how your range of motion is affected as well as the location and severity of your pain.
The doctor may order imaging tests such as CT scans and MRIs to examine the soft tissues and look for thinning or ruptured discs. X-rays may reveal compression of the vertebrae.
Treatment for intervertebral disc degeneration typically involves a combination of heat/cold therapy and medication. Anti-inflammatory medications and painkillers can ease the pain and improve quality of life. When disc degeneration occurs along with a herniated disc, treatment for the herniated disc may relieve the disc degeneration symptoms.
If left untreated, this condition can lead to chronic back or neck pain and conditions such as spinal stenosis or osteoarthritis. Make sure you seek treatment right away after the accident and follow the doctor’s orders. This not only helps treat the injury, it can also help make your accident lawsuit stronger.
Recovering Compensation for an Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Injury
The burden of proof is on you to not only show an accident caused your disc degeneration, but also that another party is responsible for the accident. Make sure you have pictures of the accident scene, police reports, and witness statements. We will help you collect this and other evidence.
Older people who claim a disc degeneration injury may have a more difficult time with their claim, as the condition is a part of the aging process. If the insurance company is denying coverage of your back or neck pain, talk to a New York accident attorney at Buttafuoco & Associate. We can help you pursue a lawsuit to recover damages related to disc degeneration after a car accident. Call 1-800-NOW-HURT to set up a case review.
