As Ontario residents may know, accidents, falls or other injuries may cause damage to the cervical spine in the form of a herniated disc. While non-surgical treatments and exercise might help in some cases, surgery might be required in others to repair damage to the disc.
A herniated disc may pinch the cervical nerve, which might cause pain, tingling and numbness in the upper extremities. Symptoms of a herniated disc might occur in different locations of the body, and this, along with other tests, may help a physician diagnose which disc has ruptured. A myelogram that uses an injected dye to pinpoint the location of the injury, a CT scan or an MRI may be done to diagnose the condition.
Treatment for a herniated disc and its associated upper extremity problems frequently includes medication but may also include traction or a cervical collar to relieve the pressure on the nerve. Certain activities may need to be curtailed to prevent irritation of the cervical area, including lifting heavy objects, activities that involve extensive head movement or extension of the neck, and activities that might cause vibration.
Severe pain and other associated symptoms that are not alleviated by conventional treatment or symptoms that persist may require surgical intervention. Surgical repair may include spinal fusion or removal of the herniated disc. Non-surgical treatment modalities may help. These include osteopathic manipulation, cervical traction and activity modification.
Spinal cord injuries may result due to a car accident caused by a negligent driver. Medical treatment and rehabilitation may be financially daunting, and time lost from work due to the injury might add to the impact. Speaking to a lawyer may be useful. The lawyer may review accident data to determine fault. If appropriate, the lawyer could file suit against the negligent driver.
