Herniated discs are injuries we hear about often, because stresses sustained from the back and neck make spinal discs prone to injury. Spinal discs provide stability and allow the wide range of movements of the neck and lower back. Discs may deteriorate from age or injury, causing the central portion of the disk to rupture through the outer ring and make contact with the nerve root, causing pain. Other symptoms such as tingling, numbness and weakness also occur. These symptoms typically travel along the nerve, causing pain through the back of the leg, if the herniated disc is located in the lower part of the spine; and pain through the arm if the herniated disc occurs in the cervical spine.
Although some symptoms of a herniated disc are tolerable, and occasionally there aren’t any symptoms at all, more serious cases result in severe pain and additional issues. For example, a disc herniation that occurs in the cervical spine may cause shooting pain down the arms, stiff neck and muscle spasms. If the herniation is large, it can press on spinal nerves located on both sides of the body, resulting in pain and muscle weakness in lower extremities and even incontinence of bladder and bowel movement. Treatment also varies depending on the severity and location of the herniation, including physical therapy, muscle relaxants, pain and inflammation medication, cortisone injections and surgery. Leaving a severely injured herniated disc untreated may cause permanent nerve damage.
A herniated disc is an injury that can be harmless or life changing and may occur as a result of many different actions. If you have been involved in an accident resulting in a herniated disc, call 1-833-DARFOOR to speak with an experienced Ft. Lauderdale personal injury lawyer.
No comment yet, add your voice below!