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, Personal Injury Lawyers, 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
Your spine is made up of 33 vertebrae, each separated by soft, gel-filled discs that cushion the bones and absorb shock. When healthy, these discs stay in place, allowing for smooth movement. However, trauma from accidents—such as a car crash, slip and fall, or workplace injury—can cause a disc to bulge or herniate, leading to severe pain and limited mobility.
Symptoms of a Bulging or Herniated Disc
The effects of a disc injury depend on its location and severity. Common symptoms include:
-
Neck (Cervical Spine) Injuries:
- Difficulty turning your head
- Shooting pain down one or both arms
- Numbness or tingling in the hands or fingers
-
Lower Back (Lumbar Spine) Injuries:
- Pain that radiates down one or both legs (sciatica)
- Weakness or numbness in the lower body
- Difficulty sitting, standing, or walking for long periods
If left untreated, these injuries can worsen, leading to chronic pain and mobility issues.
Herniated vs. Bulging Discs: What’s the Difference?
Many people use these terms interchangeably, but they refer to two distinct injuries:
-
Bulging Disc:
- The disc protrudes outward but remains intact
- Increased pressure on the spine but no rupture
- Often causes mild to moderate pain
-
Herniated Disc (Slipped or Ruptured Disc):
- The disc’s inner gel leaks out, pressing on nearby nerves
- Can lead to severe pain, numbness, and weakness
- More likely to require medical treatment or surgery
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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