What Causes a Herniated Disc?
A spinal herniated disc is a common grievance among injured Chicago construction workers. A herniated disc is a tear in the outer fibrous ring of an intervertebral disc which causes the soft central portion to bulge out. Herniated discs are usually caused by constant lifting in a job and constantly bending at the waist and not using your legs to help lift. Another serious cause of herniated discs is a sudden twisting motion that can cause the nucleus to break through the spinal capsule.
What are the Symptoms of a Herniated Disc?
If the disc is pressing on a nerve the injured party will feel pain, numbness, and weakness in the area of the body in which the nerve travels to; if the disc is not pressing on a nerve the injured party will feel pain in the lower back or maybe nothing at all since the bulging disc is not pressing on a nerve. Some people have leg pain and in severe cases have shooting pain that starts from the top of the buttocks and continues down to the ankle.
How is a Herniated Disc Diagnosed?
The most effective way of diagnosing a herniated disc is to take an MRI or a CT Scan. Sometimes, a physician can diagnose a herniated disc without having to do medical testing.
How can a Herniated Disc be treated?
Just like with any injury, there are two paths of treatment. The conservative route includes resting the area that is in pain, and use a heating pad to soothe the inflammation. Some of our clients take part in non-invasive physical therapy activities. This helps strengthen the muscles around the affected area. Sometimes, when the pain is severe enough and the conservative methods aren’t helping relieve the pain, surgery is an option.
If you have suffered a herniated disc in a preventable accident caused by someone else's negligence, please contact a Chicago personal injury attorney at Morici, Longo & Associates. We would be happy to review your potential case free of charge.