A herniated disc, also known as a slipped disc, is a common injury that can occur when you lift something heavy, twist your body the wrong way, or experience an impact on your spine.
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms: numbness or tingling in your arms or legs, weakness in your limbs, chronic pain, and difficulty walking or standing, you may have a herniated disc. This article will discuss the common causes of herniated discs and what you can do to protect yourself from this injury.
Facts About Herniated Disc
Medical statistics show that herniated discs are among the most common spine injuries, with approximately 500,000 cases reported every year in the United States. This number does not include the countless number of people who suffer from this condition but do not seek medical attention.
The majority of herniated disc sufferers are between 30 and 50, although anyone can be affected by this condition. Men are slightly more likely to experience a herniated disc than women.
There are many different causes of herniated discs, but some of the most common include:
- Lifting something heavy: When you lift something heavy, you put a lot of strain on your spine. This can cause the discs in your spine to rupture or herniation.
- Twisting your body: If you twist your body the wrong way, you can also put a strain on your spine and cause a disc to herniate.
- Impact: An impact on your spine, such as a car accident or a fall, can also cause a disc to herniate.
If you think you may have a herniated disc, it is vital to seek medical attention. Your doctor will likely order an MRI or CT scan to confirm the diagnosis. Once your condition has been diagnosed, your doctor will develop a treatment plan that is best for you.
When To Seek Legal Help?
If you’ve been involved in a road collision or an accident at work, and you’re sure that you’ve herniated a disc in your spine, you must seek legal help as soon as possible. If someone else’s negligence caused your injury, you might be entitled to compensation. A well-versed South Bend Injury Lawyer can help you get the full extent of what you’re owed.
You should also seek legal help if your herniated disc has caused you to miss work or if it has resulted in permanent damage. In these cases, you may be entitled to receive workers’ compensation or Social Security disability benefits.
If it’s a medical malpractice case, you would want to speak with a personal injury lawyer that has experience handling these types of cases. Herniated discs can be painful and debilitating, but with the help of a qualified lawyer, you can get the compensation you deserve.
Symptoms, Risk, And Prevention of Herniated Disc
A herniated disc is a spinal disc condition that can cause immense pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness in the arms or legs. An injury causes it to the spine or a sudden impact that puts strain on the spinal discs. The most common symptoms of a herniated disc are listed below:
- Numbness or tingling in arms or legs
- Weakness in limbs
- Chronic pain
- Difficulty walking or standing
Although the symptoms are related to the spine, the pain can radiate to other body parts. The best way to prevent this condition is by maintaining good posture, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet. If you think you may have a herniated disc, it is vital to seek medical attention.
Common treatments for herniated discs include pain medication, physical therapy, epidural injections, and surgery.
What Happens With Untreated Herniated Disc?
If you don’t receive treatment for your herniated disc, the condition can worsen and lead to permanent nerve damage. In severe cases, it can even cause paralysis. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to avoiding long-term complications from a herniated disc.
Is Herniated Disc A Spinal Cord Injury?
A herniated disc is not the same as a spinal cord injury. A herniated disc occurs when there is a tear in the disc’s outer layer, causing the inner layer to bulge out. This can put pressure on the nearby nerves and cause pain.
A spinal cord injury occurs when damage to the spinal cord itself. This can cause paralysis, loss of sensation, and other serious problems. If you think you may have either a herniated disc or a spinal cord injury, it is essential to seek medical attention.
Final Words
If an injury affects the quality of your life, you may be entitled to compensation. A qualified personal injury lawyer can help you get the full extent of what you’re owed. Whether your herniated disc results from a car accident, a workplace injury, or medical malpractice, you deserve to be compensated for your pain and suffering.
