Spinal Cord Injury Attorney

A herniated disc is an issue that occurs with one of the cushion-like discs between each vertebra that stack to form your spine. Spinal discs are often compared to jelly donuts – a tougher exterior with a softer center. When there has been a tear in the tougher exterior, some of the “jelly” can be pushed outside of the disc.

Herniated discs, often referred to as a ruptured disc or slipped disc, can irritate nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness in an extremity, though some people experience no symptoms. Most herniated discs occur in the lumbar spine (the lower back) and the cervical spine (the neck), though they may also occur in the thoracic spine (the mid back).

Actions such as lifting large, heavy objects with your back muscles instead of your leg muscles and twisting and turning while lifting can cause these discs to herniate. An impact from a fall or a car accident can also cause discs to herniate. There are certain factors that may increase your risk of a herniated disc. These include:

Since herniated discs are invisible on an x-ray, they are not generally diagnosed in the ER after a motor vehicle accident. Instead, patients typically require a CT scan or MRI test to identify the injury.

In cases where the patient already had a pre-existing herniated disc, neck or back problem, or other related injury, it can be complicated to demonstrate the actual damage caused because of the injury as opposed to that which occurred prior. An experienced spinal cord injury lawyer can deal with this and other issues that may come up during your case.

Like herniated discs, bulging and protruding discs can be caused in many different ways. For example, in a rear-end collision the car suddenly stops. This causes your neck to move forward and snap back, pushing your neck bones against one another and causing the disc between them to protrude outside of the space it is supposed to occupy between the vertebrae, impinging local nerves.

Bulging discs often result in pain, which radiates from the neck down to the arms, often causing tingling, numbness, and weakness in the extremities. Unfortunately, despite pain medication and time, for many individuals a bulging disc is a permanent disability.

Though often used interchangeably, herniated discs, bulging discs and protruding discs can be very different. Treatment depends on the nature and extent of the injury. Factors such as how the injury was sustained, and who the person is that was injured make a difference. Those who are injured should generally see a medical professional to be examined.

When force is applied to the spine, such as from a fall, it can sometimes exceed what the vertebral column is able to support. When part of the vertebral column is crushed, it leads to a compression fracture. In cases where the entire column breaks, it results in a burst fracture.

Although the law strives to put people in the position that they were in prior to their injury, in certain circumstances this is not possible. Sometimes the only remedy available is monetary compensation. The amount of money you are entitled to varies from case to case and is determined by the severity of your specific injuries.

When you have suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence, it can seem impossible to move forward with your life. You may feel a loss of your sense of control and your ability to do things for yourself. Hiring an experienced spinal cord injury attorney can help you to navigate these complex cases, gain a better understanding of your rights and begin your journey to putting the pieces of your life back together again.

Contact us online today or give us a call at (609) 759-2500 to schedule a consultation.