Often associated with tingling pain in the lower extremities, a herniated disc injury occurs when one of the discs located between your vertebrae, are damaged and/or torn.
Acting as a shock absorber between each vertebra in the spinal column, most people have over have over 30 discs in their back, which are used in almost every motion performed by the human body. With this in mind, any minor injury can cause extreme discomfort and pain, which can often result in an inability to perform even the most basic daily functions.
Generally males are more likely to experience a herniated disc due to contact sports or being employed in a position that requires heavy lifting. However, as we age the nucleus pulposus dries out and a herniated disc injury is not as likely.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident recently that resulted in a herniated disc injury, the victim may be eligible to receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Fill out the FREE CASE REVIEW form to your right for a no-obligation, free review of your case.
What Can Cause a Herniated Disc?
A disc is made up of two primary components – the outer shell and nucleus pulposus which is a jelly-like substance located in the center of each discs.
A herniated disc injury occurs if the outer layer of the disc is torn or ruptured by a physical action or sudden jolt (as occurs in many auto accidents), which causes the jelly-like substance to leak out and touch the surrounding nerves, which in turn causes the searing pain that many injury victims feel.
Although daily wear-and-tear can cause disc deterioration, there are several other ways someone may experience this type of personal injury. Common causes of a disc tear might include, but are not limited to:
- Lifting heavy objects
- Slip and fall
- Car accident
- Sporting injuries
…and other elements may contribute to a herniated disc injury as well.
Symptoms of a Herniated Disc
Pain and discomfort are the most common complaints from herniated disc injuries, however, they may also suffer from:
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Arm and Leg Pain
- Weakened Muscles
- Neck Pain
- Lower Back Pain
- Affected Reflexes
- Depression
- Paralysis
The symptoms experienced may also vary on the type of herniated disc issue you have and the location of the disc on your spine.
A cervical disc herniation may affect your neck and often occur between the 5th and 6th, and 6th and 7th vertebra. A lumbar herniation will affect the 4th and 5th, and 5th and the base of the spine.
If you believe you have a herniated disc injury its important to seek medical assistance and get your personal injury diagnosed. The quicker you receive medical treatment the less likely you are to suffer from continued pain and suffering.
How Can a Herniated Disc Injury Be Treated?
Doctors may apply nerve and imaging tests to diagnose your injury and the proper treatment method to be applied. The following imaging tests may be used to get a better picture of your injury.
- X-rays
- Computerized Tomography (CT) Scans
- Myleogram
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Once you have been diagnosed properly, doctors may prescribe medication to ease some of the pain and discomfort such as:
- Over-the-counter pain medication
- Muscle Relaxers
- Nerve pain medication
- Cortisone injections
Physical therapy is another route doctors may take to continue treatment and the follow remedies may be administered:
- Heat or Ice
- Ultrasound Therapy
- Laser Light Therapy
- Electrical Stimulation
- Weight-based Traction Devices
- Use of neck or lower back brace
If you have a serious herniated disc injury, surgery may a final option doctors might advise. The entire disc may not be removed, but the protruding portion will be. In some cases a doctor may suggest using an artificial disc in place of the ruptured or herniated one.
Contact an Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has suffered from an accident that has caused a herniated disc injury, let the lawyers at Phillips Law Group help you by providing legal counsel throughout the entire litigation process.
Our knowledgeable Phoenix, AZ personal injury lawyers can help you receive the justice and compensation you deserve. We have offices located throughout Arizona and are dedicated to helping victims in the following cities and surrounding areas:
- Phoenix
- Mesa
- Scottsdale
- Flagstaff
- Tempe
- Glendale
- and many more local towns and cities
To speak with one of the trusted lawyers at Phillips Law Group call 602-222-2222 , 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also reach us locally at 602-222-2222.
You can also fill out the FREE CASE REVIEW at the top right hand corner for a free, no-obligation review of your case.
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