Yes, it is definitely possible for a car accident to cause a pinched nerve.
Pinched nerves can cause excruciating pain. Sometimes, victims even require surgery to fix their issues, as simple rest and physical therapy are not enough.
What is a Pinched Nerve?
Pinched nerves occur when your tissue applies too much force to the surrounding nerve, causing it to become squeezed or compressed. Pinched nerves can happen almost anywhere in your body, but the most common areas are the neck and back.
When a car accident occurs, the sudden impact of the collision can result in the body being subjected to a significant amount of force, causing nerve compression.
Signs and Symptoms of a Pinched Nerve
The most common symptoms of pinched nerves are:
- Numbness in the area of the nerve and the parts of the body that the nerve affects.
- Sharp or aching pain in the area of the pinched nerve.
- Feeling like parts of your body are “asleep.”
- General muscular weakness.
- Tingling in your limbs.
Medical Treatment for a Pinched Nerve
If you are involved in an automobile accident, it is always a good idea to seek medical attention, even if you feel ok. This will ensure that any injuries with delayed symptoms are identified and treated properly.
If you are experiencing pain, numbness, or weakness after an accident, it is all the more important to seek the assistance of a medical professional as soon as possible. They can diagnose and treat car accident injuries, including a pinched nerve, using physical examination and imagining tests.
Treatment Options for a Pinched Nerve
There are three primary treatments for these issues. Which one you and your doctor choose will depend on the severity of your damage. The strategies you might utilize are:
- Physical Therapy – The best-case scenario is you relieve the pressure on your nerve through exercise. What this will do is strengthen the area surrounding the pinched nerve and, as a result, stop your pain.
- Medication – A second option is medication. One type is standard pain relievers, which can help you manage your discomfort as you heal. The second is steroids, which help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Surgery – Your final option is surgery. What your doctor will probably have you do is try medication and physical therapy first because invasive procedures are never optimal. If those methods fail, though, surgery is on the table.
Pinched Nerve Car Accident Settlement
Your potential for compensation will be calculated like any other personal injury case. Your priority will be recovering the costs of the injury, which include medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering.
Speak With a St. Louis Car Accident Injury Lawyer
If you sustained a pinched nerve from a car accident, it is important to speak with an experienced St. Louis car accident lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced attorney at The Hoffmann Law Firm can evaluate your car accident claim for free and explain your legal options.
A pinched nerve can cause a significant amount of pain and discomfort and require extensive medical treatment and time off work. To ensure your legal right to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages is protected, get in touch with an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Free Consultation with a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer
Don’t talk to an insurance claims adjuster before speaking with The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. We can help you avoid making statements that may affect the outcome of your case. The consultation is free; you don’t pay unless we get you money!