Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a condition that affects many Americans, leading to moderate to severe back pain. Degenerative disc disease is the breakdown of the supportive discs between vertebrae in the spine, and as such it can be very difficult to treat. Many of the treatment plans could involve costly or invasive surgeries, which could be discouraging or financially damaging for individuals who have suffered a car accident.
Many people experience back pain after a car accident, due to the forces involved and the potential jostling of the individual within the vehicle. Back injuries and spinal damage are often associated with car accidents, which begs the question, “Can a car accident cause degenerative disc disease?” Understanding the causes of DDD and the potential effect a car accident could have on the progression of the disease could influence a car accident case.
For those wondering can a car accident cause degenerative disc disease, a skilled car accident attorney from Lott Law may have the answer. Consider scheduling an appointment today at (228) 215-2787.
What is Degenerative Disc Disease?
The human spine is generally composed of thirty-three vertebrae that flex and move to give a balance of strength and flexibility to the body. For these vertebrae to flex, they must have smooth and sturdy connective tissue between them to allow for movement. These smooth pockets of connective tissue are called intervertebral discs, and they support the vertebrae and allow them to flex freely.
Degenerative disc disease is the natural breakdown of these supportive discs due to age and wear. This is a normal process of the body, though it can be slowed or accelerated by certain factors. As these discs begin to break down, the individual will experience back pain and other symptoms as the degeneration continues.
Causes
Degenerative disc disease is most often caused by aging and the natural breakdown of the body. According to the Cleveland Clinic, most individuals will experience some level of spinal degeneration by age forty, even if they display no symptoms. Some factors that could influence the development of DDD are smoking, obesity, and working a physically demanding job.
Therefore, it is important to note the answer to the question of can a car accident cause degenerative disc disease. No, a car accident cannot cause degenerative disc disease. However, a car accident can severely exacerbate degenerative disc disease once it has begun.
Symptoms
The primary symptom of degenerative disc disease is back or neck pain, which can range from mild to severe. This pain may fluctuate over time, growing in intensity and then receding for weeks or even months. Certain activities or positions may trigger the sensation as well, but the exact experience may vary between individuals. In the event of DDD aggravated by a car accident, the individual may experience delayed symptoms after the car accident.
Treatment
Several treatment plans exist for degenerative disc disease, and many patients might find varying levels of success with different methods. Physical therapy and other related exercises may be helpful, as well as certain medications both to reduce pain and to decrease inflammation of the disc. In severe cases, surgeries such as spinal fusion, diskectomy, or osteophyte removal.
Long Term Effects
Sometimes the effects of degenerative disc disease can have far-reaching consequences. Long-term back or neck pain could drastically decrease quality of life or could cost individuals expensive treatments and surgeries. Even if DDD is surgically treated, some lingering side effects such as stiffness or pain may persist.
A skilled Mississippi personal injury attorney from Lott Law may be able to help explain what compensation is available for exacerbated degenerative disc disease from a car accident.
Effects of Car Accidents on Degenerative Disc Disease
Can a car accident cause degenerative disc disease? The answer is no, but that may not be the end of the story. While a car accident cannot cause DDD, it most definitely can worsen or aggravate degenerative disc disease that is already present. Since DDD is the deterioration of the supportive discs in the spine, acute injury could cause the discs to deteriorate further or at an accelerated rate. Car accident injuries may provide the force necessary to cause this degeneration.
Compensation for Degenerative Disc Disease Worsened by Car Accidents
When an individual suffers aggravated degenerative disc disease from a car accident, this may cause them an incredible amount of both physical and financial stress. Worsened DDD could lead to loss of quality of life due to severe pain and could lead to many expenses in treatments and surgeries. Depending on the circumstance of the car accident, the injured party may be entitled to compensation.
Determining Fault in a Car Accident
The first step in building a case for equitable compensation is to determine liability in the accident. This may require a careful analysis of the situation, taking into account facts from the crash site and witness testimony. If the other driver was at fault even to a small degree, the injured party may be able to receive compensation under the Mississippi Code § 11-7-15.
Connecting the Injury to the Accident
Additionally, the injured party and their legal counsel may be expected to connect the worsening of the plaintiff’s degenerative disc disease to the car accident itself. If the injury did not worsen as a result of the car accident, the plaintiff’s case may not be valid. This may require the plaintiff to compile medical evidence proving the worsening of their DDD as a result of the crash.
Eggshell Plaintiff
Another legal complexity that may apply is the eggshell plaintiff rule, sometimes called the eggshell skull rule. This common law rule states that the defendant must take the plaintiff as they found them, even if they were unaware of a preexisting condition that led to greater injury. Even if the defendant did not know about a preexisting condition like degenerative disc disease, they may be liable for the aggravation of the condition.
Connect with a Skilled Mississippi Personal Injury Lawyer
Battling for compensation from a car accident can be challenging, particularly when dealing with the aggravated symptoms of degenerative disc disease. Severe back or neck pain can drastically decrease the quality of life and could have a high financial impact on the individual. When seeking compensation for car accidents, a skilled Mississippi car accident attorney may be a significant asset in the process. Consider scheduling a consultation today by calling the office at (228) 215-2787.