Hablamos español • Atención disponible
Overview
A herniated disc after a car accident can cause sharp, radiating pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms or legs. This injury occurs when the soft center of a spinal disc pushes through its outer layer, irritating nearby nerves. Without treatment, it can become a source of chronic pain.
Quick Facts About Herniated Discs
Common Causes: Car accidents, falls, heavy lifting, sports injuries
Symptoms: Pain, tingling, numbness, muscle weakness in limbs
Treatments: Chiropractic adjustments, spinal decompression, guided rehab
Recovery Time: Weeks to months depending on severity and treatment
Common Symptoms of a Herniated Disc After a Car Accident
Symptoms vary based on where the herniated disc is located in the spine:
Cervical spine (neck): Neck pain, headaches, shoulder and arm numbness or weakness
Lumbar spine (lower back): Lower back pain, sciatica, leg weakness, tingling in feet
Pain worsens with certain movements or prolonged sitting
Reduced range of motion and stiffness
Herniated discs in the neck or back after a car accident often cause nerve pain that radiates away from the spine.
What Causes a Herniated Disc After a Car Accident?
The sudden force of a collision can compress the spine, causing the disc’s inner gel-like material to push through its outer layer. This can:
Press on spinal nerves, causing pain and numbness
Be triggered or worsened by whiplash injuries
Occur in both the neck (cervical spine) and lower back (lumbar spine)
Be aggravated by pre-existing wear-and-tear in the spine
Even a low-speed crash can generate enough force to damage a spinal disc.
Effective Treatments for a Herniated Disc
Treatment focuses on relieving nerve pressure, reducing inflammation, and restoring movement. We may recommend:
Soft Tissue Therapy (including Myofascial Release)
These therapies can help reduce pain, improve mobility, and speed recovery without surgery.
Recovery & Prevention
Recovery time depends on the severity of the disc injury and your treatment plan. To aid healing:
Avoid heavy lifting and high-impact activities
Follow your prescribed exercise program
Maintain good posture to reduce spinal stress
Stay active with safe, low-impact movements
Attend all scheduled follow-up visits
Many patients improve within months, but some herniated discs can cause long-term symptoms without proper care.
What our patients are saying
We’re proud to help people across Oklahoma City recover and feel their best after auto accidents. Here’s what real patients have to say about their experience at Accident Care Clinic.
Drastic Improvement After Each Visit
“My recovery was amazing—thank you for your skills, patience, and awesome staff!”
Kierra T.
The Go-To Chiropractor in OKC
“Great doctors, friendly staff, and Dr. Boggs is the one to see—highly recommend!”
Leslie T.
Exceptional Care That Truly Heals
“Dr. John’s personalized care helped me regain strength and mobility after my accident.”
Wilfried K.
Friendly and Informative After My Wreck
“Dr. Boggs and Dr. John were so helpful and kind—feeling better than ever!”
Brianna T.
Skeptical at First, But Now a Believer
“Dr. Boggs and his team eased my car accident pain—I’m so glad I trusted them.”
Gail D.
Unmatched Honesty and Care
“Dr. Boggs is the most honest and caring medical professional I’ve ever met.”
Chris C.
Felt Like a New Person
“Simple, easy, and amazing care—walked out feeling brand new!”
Ron M.
Fast, Friendly, and Effective
“Great staff, easy visits, and I feel much better after just a few appointments.”
Yomali R.
Attentive and Professional Team
“After my accident, they took great care of me—very kind and thorough staff.”
Karina R.
Caring Chiropractors That Listen
“Doctors genuinely care about your pain—great place for chiropractic help.”
Richy P.
Frequently Asked Questions About Herniated Discs
Can a car accident cause a herniated disc?
Yes. The force of impact can compress spinal discs, causing the inner material to bulge or rupture.
It can be. Without treatment, it may cause chronic pain, nerve damage, or mobility issues.
Is a herniated disc a serious injury?
Yes. Whiplash can stress the spine enough to damage discs in the neck or back.
Can whiplash cause herniated discs?
Chiropractic care, especially spinal decompression, can relieve pressure and support healing.