Herniated, Bulging, and Slipped Discs
Herniated or bulging discs are a serious concern for victims because they’re very difficult to treat effectively with medication, bed rest, massage, or other remedies. This type of injury can be debilitating and affect many aspects of your life. You can count on the New York City spinal cord injury lawyers at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C. to pursue the responsible parties for your considerable losses.
To schedule a free consultation of your case, contact us today at (212) 490-5700.
Bulging Disc Injuries
There are 33 vertebrae of the spine that are separated by spongy, gel-filled pockets called discs, which cushion the bones and act as shock absorbers. In a normal, healthy spine, these discs remain confined within the vertebrae. However, in the event of violent trauma, the disc material may bulge or herniate outwards and come into contact with surrounding nerve tissue.
Not only is the condition painful, but it can also lead to loss of motion. A bulging or herniated disc in the neck may prevent you from turning your head, and this injury in the lower back may cause shooting pain down one or both of your legs.
The Difference Between Herniated, Slipped, and Bulging Discs
Though many people use the terms interchangeably, herniated and bulging discs are very different injuries. Researchers at the Mayo Clinic explain the difference, describing discs as similar to jelly donuts.
With a bulging disc, there’s significant pressure on the spine, but the “jelly” stays inside the donut. When you suffer a herniated disc, the gel-like material protrudes out of the disc, which is why the condition is also called a slipped or ruptured disc.
The effects of this type of injury depend upon the vertebrae that are affected. For a herniated disc in the lower back, you could be unable to sit for long periods of time or do any heavy lifting. A herniated disc in your neck may lead to a severe loss of motion and shooting pain down one or both of your arms.
Common Causes of Disc Injuries
It’s common to suffer a bulging or herniated disc in a car accident, but there are many other causes for such injuries, including:
- Slipping on wet or slick surfaces
- Falls resulting from broken stairs or loose railings
- Tripping over unsecured carpet or flooring
- A pedestrian or bicycle accident
- A workplace accident
- A repetitive work injury from continually performing the same task
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