Car Accidents and Degenerative Disc Protrusion: Understanding the Link

A car accident's forceful impact can cause a degenerative disc protrusion (herniated/slipped disc). The extreme stress on the spine can push the disc's gel-like center through a weakened outer layer. While protrusions often result from wear and tear, sudden trauma can accelerate degeneration or initiate protrusion even without prior degenerative changes.