A herniated disc is actually a ruptured disc. This type of injury can be extremely painful. Discs are like cushions between the vertebrae that absorb shock during movement. They enable spinal flexibility. A serious disc injury can leave you in dire need of medical care. When the injury is caused by someone else’s negligence, you should consult with a lawyer about suing for damages.
The U.S. National Library of Medicine explains that 90 out of 100 people with a herniated disk recover in less than six weeks. However, when the pain lasts longer, the odds of the pain going away without surgery or some type of treatment are reduced. For the unfortunate 10 percent of people who do not recover, symptoms of serious disc injuries often include numbness or sensation of paralysis in the legs, impaired bladder or bowel functioning and intolerable pain even with treatment. Treatment may include pain medication, physical therapy, injections (anesthesia or cortisone) near the spine and surgery.
A car crash, slip-and-fall accident, or some other type of incident in which the spine suffers an impact can move a disc out of place, make it bulge or protrude and sometimes rupture the disc’s soft center. The tissue leaking out into the surrounding area causes great pain.
Follow your doctor’s instructions and consult with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney as soon as possible. An experienced California law firm can protect your rights and deal with the responsible party’s insurance company. With skilled legal help, you can seek the compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering, medical bills, and other losses.