Sciatica is a common condition that can occur after a traumatic accident. Whether from a car accident, a slip and fall, or some other type of accident, the pain of sciatica may not always respond to treatment. Our firm has worked with many clients who suffered sciatica as a result of their accident, and we are familiar with how frustrating it can be to find yourself with a seemingly permanent condition due to another person's negligence. If you or someone you care about is dealing with sciatica from an accident, please contact Bronx spinal cord injury attorney Ivan Diamond to discuss your legal options.
Signs of Sciatica
Running from the lower back through the hips and ending a little below the knee, the sciatic nerve is easily damaged when you sustain a back injury. Thy symptoms include numbness, tingling, and shooting pain in the lower back and down one leg. You may experience the feeling of pins and needles in your toes or feet. Often sitting can make the symptoms increase in intensity.
If you suffer from sciatica you are likely to recognize these symptoms, as the sensations are fairly unique.
Causes of Sciatica
Sciatica is caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve, usually the result of a herniated disc. Discs, which are made of cartilage, can be damaged in an accident and bulge out of their normal positions, placing pressure on the nerve and leading to the symptoms of sciatica.
It is important to understand that back and spinal injuries can be quite complex, and there may be multiple causes for the sciatica pain you are experiencing. As with any back injury, if you believe you are suffering from sciatica you should seek medical attention. Your doctor can properly diagnose your injury and verify that you are not facing any additional risks of injury.
Sciatica Treatment
Sciatica can be either acute or chronic. Acute sciatica is usually treatable by over-the-counter pain medicine and anti-inflammatory medications, along with the application of heat or cold. Chronic sciatica can be more persistent and intense. It may require that you work with a physical therapist and exercise to relieve the discomfort. Depending on the severity of chronic sciatica, your doctor may prescribe prescription painkillers and possibly even a steroid injection.
Recovering From Sciatica
Sciatica, even the less severe acute sciatica, can often take months to recover from. Chronic sciatica can take much longer, and may even be a condition that you cannot find full relief from. It is, of course, advisable that you listen to the advice of your doctor and do your best to adhere to his or her prescriptions to aid in your recovery – particularly physical therapy. But it is important to understand that recovery can take some time, and may not be completely successful.
Receiving Compensation For Your Injuries
If your sciatica was caused by an accident where you were not at fault, there is a possibility that you could obtain compensation for your injuries. Sciatica can be extremely disruptive to your day to day life. Some of the most common issues caused by sciatica include:
Negative Impact On Work
Depending on the severity of your sciatica, you may have to take time off of work or even be unable to do your job in the same capacity you once were. When you have to take time off of work for an injury caused by someone else, or worse, you are no longer able to work your old job, you deserve compensation for your lost income.
Ongoing Pain And Discomfort
Even mild sciatica can be extremely uncomfortable. The more severe the condition, the more pain you may be dealing with. Your pain eventually go away with treatment, or it may not. The fact that you are going through so much pain as a result of the accident is significant reason to seek compensation.
Medical Bills
Medical care is expensive, especially for chronic conditions. Because you were injured by another party, there is no reason why you should be responsible for your medical bills. A lawsuit will seek to make those responsible pay for your medical care, which can be extremely helpful in both the short and long-term – especially if you are unable to work.
Helping You With Your New York Sciatica Case
Attorney Ivan M. Diamond is a Bronx personal injury lawyer dedicated to helping clients who need experienced legal guidance and representation. He has worked with clients suffering from sciatica pain, and he understands what it takes to build a strong case on your behalf. If you or someone you love is suffering from sciatica after an accident, please contact attorney Ivan Diamond to discuss your case. Our firm offers a free initial consultation, so you can get knowledgeable legal advice on your injury at no cost to you.
