By: Ariana Dowlatshahi

What You Should Know About Herniated Discs

You walked away from an accident thinking, “whew!” No broken bones, no visible injuries. Maybe you were just a little sore. So, you chalked it up to whiplash or stress and tried to move on with your life. But then, a few days later, the pain began. Maybe it was a sharp, shooting ache radiating down your leg or a stubborn stiffness in your neck that just won’t go away. Suddenly, sitting at your desk, walking your dog, or even getting a good night’s sleep feels impossible.

What you might be dealing with is a herniated disc, one of the most painful and commonly overlooked injuries caused by accidents, whether it’s a car, bicycle collision, or other traumatic event. At Protection Law Group, our attorneys routinely handle these cases and understand how this injury can quietly but powerfully disrupt your life. Our goal is to help you heal, not just physically, but legally, mentally, and financially.

What Happens During a Herniated Disc Injury?

Think of your spine as a stack of bones cushioned by soft, gel-like discs that keep everything moving smoothly. These discs act like shock absorbers between your vertebrae, allowing your body to twist, bend, and stretch. When a crash suddenly jolts your body, that inner gel pushes through the disc’s outer shell, pressing on nearby nerves and triggering inflammation. This process is what medical professionals refer to as a herniated disc.

While some people feel pain immediately, others don’t notice anything until inflammation builds up, sometimes hours or even days later. That’s why post-accident symptoms should never be ignored, even if they seem minor at first.

The Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Herniated discs tend to occur most often in two areas: the neck, which affects the cervical spine, and the lower back, which involves the lumbar spine. When the disc is damaged in your neck, you might feel radiating pain in your shoulders, arms, or even your fingers. Your grip might weaken, and your hands could feel tingly or numb.

If the injury is in your lower back, you may experience what’s commonly known as sciatica. This usually feels like a burning pain that shoots down one leg and may come with foot tingling or trouble climbing stairs. Regardless of the location, one thing is clear, if daily movements are becoming painful or difficult, it’s time to get evaluated.

Diagnosis and Treatment: What the Process Looks Like

The diagnostic journey typically begins with a physical exam, where your doctor will test your reflexes, muscle strength, and flexibility. If something seems off, imaging tests like an MRI or CT scan are often ordered to get a clearer picture of your spine. Sometimes, nerve conduction tests like an EMG are used to pinpoint which nerves are compressed or irritated.

Treatment usually starts with the least invasive options such as rest, anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, or chiropractic care. Many people find relief through these methods, but in more stubborn cases, doctors may recommend steroid injections or nerve blocks. When the injury is severe, surgery might be necessary to remove or repair the damaged disc.

At Protection Law Group, we not only help you access these medical options, but we can also advance the costs of treatment when needed. You shouldn’t have to delay healing because you’re worried about how to pay for it.

Legal Support That Matches Your Recovery Needs

If your herniated disc was caused by someone else’s reckless behavior, whether they were speeding, distracted, or failed to share the road responsibly, you may be entitled to compensation. That compensation can cover not only your medical expenses but also your pain and suffering, lost income, future lost earning ability, and the costs of any ongoing therapy or care.

Our firm works on a contingency basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we win your case. From gathering the medical documentation needed to support your claim to negotiating with insurance adjusters, we take on the heavy lifting so you can focus on what matters most, your health.

Why Clients Across California Trust Protection Law Group

We’ve built our reputation on delivering results for injury victims across the state. With years of experience, a hands-on approach to client care, and a bilingual legal team fluent in both English and Spanish, we’re proud to be a trusted advocate for people going through some of the most difficult times in their lives.

We don’t just represent you; we partner with you. That means answering your questions quickly, helping you schedule medical appointments, and walking you through every legal step with care and clarity.

Don’t Wait. Get the Help You Deserve

Living with a herniated disc can change everything from how you move and work to how well you sleep. You don’t have to face the pain and financial stress alone. At Protection Law Group, we’re ready to help you take back control of your life.

Call us today at (424) 290-3095 for a free consultation. We’re proud to serve injured clients across California, and we’re here to fight for the justice and relief you deserve.