What to Do If You Get a Herniated Disc from a Car Accident

On behalf of Harper, Evans, Hilbrenner & Netemeyer

April 25, 2025


 One second, you’re driving. Next, everything changes. If you’ve been in a crash and are now dealing with severe back pain, tingling, or weakness—you might have a herniated disc. And if that disc injury came from a car accident, you need to understand your rights, your treatment options, and how to protect your health and your claim.
A herniated disc after a car accident isn’t just painful. It can affect your ability to work, sleep, and function. But here's the good news: you're not stuck. With the right information—and the right legal support—you can take clear steps to recover, physically and financially.
Let’s break it down.

What is a herniated disc after a car accident
Your spine is made up of vertebrae separated by soft, rubbery discs. These discs act like cushions. When the force from a car crash is too much, one of those discs can get pushed out of place or ruptured. That’s a herniated disc.
This can happen even in low-speed accidents. Rear-end collisions are a major cause. The sudden whip of the neck and spine can put intense pressure on the spine’s discs.
In a herniated disc, the inner gel-like core (nucleus pulposus) leaks out through the outer layer (annulus fibrosus). When that leaked material touches a nerve, pain happens. And not just in your back. Pain can radiate down your arms or legs depending on the disc location.

Common causes of disc herniation in crashes:
  • Seatbelt restraints tightening suddenly
  • Whiplash
  • Direct impact to the back or neck
  • Twisting movements during impact


Some people have pre-existing disc issues without symptoms. An accident can aggravate or worsen these, turning a manageable condition into a debilitating one.

Symptoms of herniated disc after a car accident
Symptoms don’t always show up right away. Many people walk away from the scene thinking they’re fine—only to wake up in serious pain the next day.

Here’s what to watch for:

Back or neck pain
Dull or sharp pain in the spine, especially in the lower back (lumbar) or neck (cervical) area.

Numbness or tingling
You may feel pins and needles in your arms, hands, legs, or feet. This happens when the herniated disc presses on a nerve root.

Muscle weakness
Struggling to lift objects or feeling one limb is weaker than the other is a red flag.

Pain that radiates
Sciatica—pain that shoots down the buttocks and leg—is common with lumbar herniation. Cervical herniation can cause arm or shoulder pain.

Loss of bladder or bowel control
This is rare, but if it happens, get emergency medical attention immediately. It could indicate cauda equina syndrome, a serious condition caused by severe nerve compression.

Don’t guess. These symptoms might resemble a pulled muscle or general soreness. But if you’ve been in a crash, assume it could be more. Get evaluated.

Testing and diagnosis
Accurate diagnosis is key. You can’t treat what you don’t identify.
Start by seeing a doctor as soon as symptoms begin—or sooner. Don’t wait for the pain to become unbearable. Early medical records help your health and your injury claim.

Here’s what to expect in the diagnostic process:

Physical examination
The doctor will check your reflexes, strength, and range of motion. They'll ask questions about pain location, intensity, and what makes it better or worse.

Imaging tests
  • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) – This is the most reliable way to detect a herniated disc. It shows soft tissues and nerve compression.
  • CT scan – Offers detailed images if MRI isn’t possible.
  • X-rays – While they don’t show herniated discs, they can rule out fractures or alignment issues.
  • EMG (Electromyography) – Measures nerve and muscle function to confirm nerve compression.


If your injury came from a car accident, be clear with your doctor. Documentation should connect your symptoms directly to the crash. This helps build a solid legal case.

Treatment options
Treatment depends on how severe the herniation is. Most people don’t need surgery—but they do need a clear plan. Ignoring a herniated disc can lead to chronic pain, permanent nerve damage, or disability.

1. Conservative treatment
Most doctors start here:

  • Rest and activity modification – Limit heavy lifting and twisting movements.
  • Physical therapy – Exercises to reduce pain, increase mobility, and strengthen your core.
  • Medications – Anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxers, or short-term opioids.
  • Epidural steroid injections – Reduce inflammation around the nerve.

These treatments can last from several weeks to a few months. If there’s no improvement, your doctor may recommend the next step.

2. Surgery
Surgical options are usually reserved for severe cases or those that don’t respond to other treatments.

Common procedures include:
  • Discectomy – Removal of the herniated portion of the disc.
  • Laminectomy – Removal of part of the vertebra to relieve nerve pressure.
  • Spinal fusion – Stabilizing the spine by fusing two or more vertebrae together.


Surgery comes with risks and recovery time. But for many people, it brings relief after months—or years—of debilitating pain.

Why legal help matters
Medical care for a herniated disc after a car accident can be expensive. MRIs, physical therapy, lost income, surgery—it adds up fast. And in many cases, the insurance company will argue that your condition was pre-existing or unrelated to the crash.
That’s where legal representation comes in. At Harper, Evans, Hilbrenner & Netemeyer, we’ve handled hundreds of injury cases involving herniated discs from car accidents. We know how to:

  • Gather strong medical evidence
  • Deal with insurance adjusters who try to minimize your claim
  • Prove the accident directly caused or worsened your condition
  • Fight for compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and long-term care


The sooner you contact an attorney, the better. We help protect your rights from day one. You focus on healing—we handle the legal side.

Don’t ignore your symptoms
If you’ve been in a car accident and are now dealing with back or neck pain, tingling, or weakness—get checked. You don’t have to be in a major crash to suffer a serious injury.
A herniated disc after a car accident can turn your life upside down. But with timely medical care and the right legal support, recovery is possible.

Need help after a car crash injury?
 Call Harper, Evans, Hilbrenner & Netemeyer today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your rights, and help you move forward.
📞 (573) 442-1660
 🌐 www.lawmissouri.com