Question
My neck was the first thing to hurt so I went to ER.  They did X-rays and CT scan and found nothing broken.  Next day I had back pain.  It progressively worsened and on the 7th day I couldn't stand it so I went back to ER.  They took Xray of back and said nothing abnormal but possibly a herniated disc.  I used Arnica gel and it seemed to help some but still in pain and raising legs really painful.  Also numbness in two toes next to big one on my right foot.  Back hurts mostly on right side down by sacrum and there's swelling.  ER doc said to get MRI but I can't afford and the insured's co. says it is a low impact rear ender and that it can't possibly be a herniated disc.  I need to know if I should get one on credit to make sure.  I was at a stoplight and was rear ended. Thank you for your time.
Teri

Answer
It is very possible that you have a disc injury, and BS on the insurance company... it's their job to save the dividends we pay them.  Go see a chiropractor who will do some simple tests to see if it's the disc.  If so, it happened right after the accident, more than likely it was caused by that.  Talk to a Personal Injury attorney right after the DC, and tell them the story.  If they think you have a case, they will take it on contingency.  If not, then you know either way.  

Disc injury can be serious!   Go see someone right away.  If you want a referral, I think I can find one almost anywhere in the US.

Dr. Peter Carr
Seattle, WA