My Columbus Car Accident Caused a Pinched Nerve – Is It Serious ?

Many car accidents whether in Columbus, Cincinnati, Dayton or elsewhere can result in the auto crash victim being told they have a pinched nerve.  The question is what is a pinched nerve? (1)

Definition Pinched Nerve

This is not really a medical term. but it’s a shorthand way to describe a type of harm to a nerve. This is generally when you have pain down your arm or leg. The injury is actually coming from somewhere else.

A corollary to this is having a slipped disk. this is another medical term which means the disk is protruding from its normal confines. if the disk is hitting a nerve and compressing it then pain down the arm will result if the disk problem is in the neck.

If the pain is going down your leg then the disk problem will be in your back.  Often there is a feeling of numbness and/or tingling like pins and needles. another symptom is feeling that your foot is falling asleep. There are other reasons beside a protruding or herniated disk so it is important to get a doctor to give you the proper tests to determine the cause of the “pinched nerve”.

Can This Be Treated

Most doctors will try anti-inflammatory medication as well as physical therapy. Collars are not used other than in the initial phase as it is important to keep the neck muscles strong. Efforts are toward pain reduction and helping full range of motion return.

What Can I Expect – Will I Get Better?

If there has been an actual disk injury there can be a full recovery. But there are many time despite the best efforts the injury persists. some Doctors will try epidural steroid injections to shrink the protrusion and remove the pressure on the nerve. Be careful that if this is suggested it is done under x-ray guidance and all the risks are explained to you.

Sometimes surgery is recommended. the disc may be cut away from the nerve. sometimes the lamina is removed to give more room. If a fusion is suggested it is often wise to seek a second opinion as this is a very invasive surgery.

Source

1. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/pinchednerve/pinchednerve.htm

About the Author

by: Anthony Castelli Attorney has over 32 years experience helping people with neck and back injuries from car accidents, falls and other injuries caused by negligence. He practices throughout Ohio including Cincinnati, Columbus , Dayton. Call 1-800-447-6549 for a free case evaluation. The time is now fro legal help if you are down and out due to the carelessness of another.

PS

With multiple interstates between Cincinnati, Columbus and Dayton as Interstate 75 and interstate 71 there are often serious collisions that cAusee neck and back problems. Always seek competent medical attention as soon as an pain or stiffness even soreness manifests.