Have you sustained a herniated disc injury in Fort Myers? If so, you’re likely dealing with the substantial impacts to your day-to-day life and looking for answers as you try to get on the path to recovery. A herniated disc injury can be incredibly painful, and it can also be very disruptive to daily activities such as working in a physically demanding way, completing household chores, and even sitting for extended periods of time. Learn more about herniated disc injuries and find out how to locate a qualified, experienced herniated disc lawyer in Fort Myers who can provide you the help you need as you get back on your feet.
Types of Herniated Disc Injuries
A herniated disc refers to an injury of the spine. In between each of the bones of the vertebrae, there are round discs that function like pillows to cushion and serve as shock absorbers for the bones in the spinal cord. These discs consist of a tough outer layer called the annulus. When this outer layer is injured, a fragment of the disc nucleus can be pushed into the spinal canal. Since the spinal canal is a small space, the presence of this nucleus fragment displaces nerves and causes pain — sometimes severe pain.
Herniated discs may also be called slipped discs, bulged discs, or ruptured discs. A herniated disc can occur in the upper part of the spinal cord, including in the neck, but they are most common in the lumbar region of the spine, which is in the lower back. Pain from a herniated disc in the cervical spine (neck region) can result in a set of symptoms referred to as cervical radiculopathy. This “pinched nerve,” as it is commonly called, can result in a dull or sharp pain in the neck or between the shoulder blades. It may also radiate down into the arms or hands.
When the pain is in the lower back, it is sometimes referred to as sciatica — in reference to the sciatic nerve. Burning, numbness, and tingling may radiate from the buttocks into the legs and all the way down to the foot. It tends to be concentrated on one specific side of the body, and those suffering from the condition often describe the pain as an electrical shock. Movement — especially motions that straighten the leg — can make the symptoms worsen.
