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.
Who is Responsible for a Herniated Disc?
Herniated discs can occur in many ways. Age is one of the most common risk factors for sustaining a herniated disc injury. As Harvard Medical School reports, individuals who have entered middle age often have weak points in the annulus of the discs, and these weaknesses leave them at increased risk for harm. Herniated disc injuries are most common in people aged 35 to 55. There are also genetic factors that increase the risk of a herniated disc injury. These genetic components are increasingly likely in individuals who report herniated disc injuries at younger ages.
Another major risk factor for herniated disc injury is one’s daily activity. Individuals who work at a job or perform in a sport that requires heavy lifting or repetitive twisting or bending motions are at a higher risk of sustaining a herniated disc injury. Preventative measures can include avoiding activities that require repetitive bending or heavy lifting, exercising regularly, and maintaining good posture.
Finally, a herniated disc can occur due to a specific injury that causes a traumatic impact to the spine.
The responsibility for a herniated disc injury is largely determined by the conditions under which such injury was sustained. If a herniated disc was caused by an acute injury or repetitive motion required because of working conditions rather than normal wear and tear over the course of aging, the party responsible for the conditions under which the injury occurred may be held liable for the damages sustained.
What Types of Accidents Result in Herniated Discs?
Since a herniated disc essentially occurs when the annulus sustains an injury, injuries that cause trauma to the spine can result in herniated discs. Any accident where the spine takes on direct or indirect impact can be the culprit. Motor vehicle accidents are one major cause of herniated discs. During a crash, the spine may become injured, and the resulting impact can cause a rupture to the annulus.
Similarly, a slip-and-fall accident can result in a herniated disc. If someone falls and injures the spine, the resulting damage to the annulus can result in a herniated disc and all of its associated symptoms.
Finding the Best Fort Myers Herniated Disc Attorney
If you have sustained a herniated disc injury, you may be looking for someone who can help you get to the root or its causes and find the party responsible. We have experienced, expert attorneys ready to talk to you about your injury and help you move forward.
