A herniated disc occurs when the gel-like center of a disc ruptures through a tear in the outer ring of the disc. This can happen due to a traumatic injury, repetitive motions, or natural aging. When a disc herniates, the gel-like center can press on the spinal cord or the nerves that branch out from the spinal cord. This can cause pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the arms or legs.
A herniated disc can occur at any age, but it is more common in people over the age of 40. There are a variety of factors that can contribute to a herniated disc, including:
• Trauma: A fall, car accident, or other type of trauma can cause a disc to herniate.
• Repetitive motions: Repeating the same motions over and over again can put strain on the discs and cause them to weaken over time.
• Natural aging: As we age, the discs in our spine begin to degenerate and lose water content. This makes them more susceptible to herniation.
If you have a herniated disc, you may not need surgery to treat it. In many cases, the herniated disc will heal on its own with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medication. However, if the herniated disc is pressing on the spinal cord or nerves, you may need surgery to remove the herniated disc and relieve the pressure.
The long-term effects of a herniated disc depend on the severity of the injury and whether or not you have surgery. In most cases, the herniated disc will heal on its own and you will not have any long-term effects. However, if the herniated disc is pressing on the spinal cord or nerves, you may experience long-term effects, such as:
• Chronic pain
• Numbness or tingling
• Weakness in the arms or legs
• Difficulty walking
• Difficulty urinating or having a bowel movement
If you have a herniated disc, it is important to see a doctor so that you can get the proper treatment. If you do not treat a herniated disc, you may experience long-term effects, such as chronic pain, numbness, or weakness. If you have a herniated disc, contact a personal injury lawyer near you to discuss your legal options.
There are a variety of treatment options available for herniated discs, both surgical and nonsurgical. The type of treatment that is best for you will depend on the severity of your symptoms and the location of your herniated disc.
Nonsurgical treatment options for herniated discs include:
• Pain medication: Over-the-counter or prescription pain medication can help to manage the pain associated with a herniated disc.
• Physical therapy: A physical therapist can help to strengthen the muscles around the herniated disc and improve range of motion.
• Steroid injections: A doctor may inject steroids into the area around the herniated disc to reduce inflammation and pain.
Surgical treatment options for herniated discs include:
• Microdiscectomy: This is a minimally invasive surgery that involves removing the herniated disc material that is pressing on the nerve.
• Laminectomy: This surgery involves removing a portion of the bone that is pressing on the nerve.
• Spinal fusion: This surgery involves fusing together two or more vertebrae to stabilize the spine.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a herniated disc, it is important to seek out experienced legal counsel to discuss your treatment options and to ensure that you are fairly compensated for your injuries. The personal injury lawyers at Philadelphia Lawyers have experience handling herniated disc cases and can fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.