Herniated Discs: What You Need to Know

Herniated discs are no laughing matter. They’re a type of back injury that may be caused by a slip and fall injury or car accident. You may not not notice the pain right away. A herniated disc may even cause pain or discomfort to radiate down to your feet, making it difficult to enjoy everyday life and even go back to work.

Because it can take a few days to notice a herniated disc injury, you may not immediately realize where it came from. But if you have been involved in an accident, call 1-800-JUSTICE to discuss your case with our Ontario personal injury lawyers.

What is a herniated disc?

A herniated disc is also called a spinal disc herniation, slipped disc, or ruptured disc, and it refers to problems with one of the rubbery cushions that help keep our spines together. When herniated, the rubbery “jelly” pushes through the exterior of the spine.

Sometimes, a herniated disc causes no symptoms at all. Other times, the herniated disc may irritate nearby nerves and result in pain, numbness, or weakness of the arm or leg depending on its location along the spine, though most occur in the lower back as it bears most of our weight and physical stress. Your muscles near the injury also may weaken, which can cause you to fall or make it difficult to carry items.

You also may have a herniated disc and not even know it. But for others, the pain is unbearable.

Herniated Disc Causes

Physical trauma — such as a blow to the back during a high-impact sport or the impact of a car accident — sometimes is unavoidable. But when your injury was caused by someone else, you may be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering, time lost from work, medical bills, and more through filing a tort claim. A herniated disc can even cause a long-term disability, leaving the injured patient unable to earn an income and support their family.

Get Help with a Herniated Disc Injury

If your herniated disc or other back injury was caused by someone else’s negligence in any type of accident, you shouldn’t have to foot the bill. Call 1-800-JUSTICE or fill out our online case evaluator form to get started with a free consultation today.