Car accidents are dangerous because they are unpredictable. Depending on the nature and severity of the accident, you may be faced with a number of different injuries. While some may be visible on the outside, others may be happening on the inside of your body. It can be hard to detect nerve damage after a car accident, leading to long-term pain.
Nerve Damage After a Car Accident
It is important to understand what signs and symptoms to look out for after a car accident so you can seek pinched nerve treatment in Los Angeles right away. The sooner you get help from a spine specialist, the better you can prevent years of chronic pain.
Causes and Symptoms of Pinched Nerves
Nerve damage can be caused by a variety of physical injuries and accidents. Dislocated bones and damaged tissue can put undue pressure on part of your nerves, leading to tension and pain. This forced pressure upon the nerves is what “pinches” them, making it difficult for you to move the part of your body that the damage is coming from.
Spine injuries can also contribute to pinched nerves. If your bones have become broken or dislodged during an accident, they could be pressing on your nerves in an uncomfortable way. Eventually, you will notice symptoms such as:
- Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
- Feeling of pins and needles in parts of your body
- Burning, aching, or sharp pain
- Pain that radiates outward
- Paralysis
- Dizziness
- Difficulty controlling parts of your body
- Sweating
- Dry or red eyes
- Constipation
- Chest pain
- Weak muscles
You may notice that these symptoms are worse while you are sleeping. When these signs persist, make an appointment to see your doctor right away.
Types of Pinched Nerve Damage
Depending on the type of auto accident you suffered, what position you were in while in the car, and what part of your body was damaged, you might be faced with different types of nerve injuries. It is important to visit an accident injury specialist for a thorough assessment, as you may be dealing with any of the following:
Herniated Disc
Also known as a ruptured disc, a herniated disc occurs when there is suddenly an intense amount of pressure on the spine. This causes one of the discs (which is the protective layer between each vertebra) to break or get dislodged. This causes a lot of pain and numbness in the spine.
Whiplash
This is a common auto accident injury that causes your head and neck to suddenly jerk back and forth as a result of sudden movement. This is a leading cause of pinched nerves as this quick movement puts a lot of pressure on the neck and spine. You may find it difficult to move or turn your neck as a result of this injury.
Blunt Force Trauma
If you hit part of your body against a flat, hard surface, you will suffer blunt force trauma. This can instantly compress nerves in a part of your body, putting too much pressure on them to function. This results in a lot of pain, numbness, and general discomfort that can only be relieved through a long-term treatment plan.
Get Specialized Spine Treatment Today
If you have been in a recent auto accident, you need immediate care. Even if your symptoms are not prevalent at first, you could be dealing with numbness due to a pinched nerve. The results of an auto injury are serious, and nerve damage must be treated right away to save you from a lifetime of chronic pain. Get in touch with our Yashar Neurosurgery staff and schedule an appointment with our Los Angeles spine surgeon today!
