Los Angeles Injury Lawyer Blog

A herniated disc is a serious injury and is a common source of pain in the back, neck, arms or legs. The medical definition of a herniated disc is a rupturing of the tissue that separates the vertebral bones of the spinal column. In yesterday’s blog we discussed Part I of Herniated Disk injuries, including how a Slipped Disc Occurs, Symptoms of a Ruptured Disc and How to Diagnose a Herniated Disc. In today’s blog we discuss the Causes of Disc Protrusion, Long-term Problems Related to Herniated Discs and Risk Factors for Getting a Bulging Disc.

Causes of Disc Protrusion:
A herniated disc injury can occur in many different ways. The most common include:

• A traumatic event such as a slip, a fall or a motor vehicle accident.*


• Repetitive activities that put stress on the lower back, including lifting without proper support, prolonged exposure to vibration, and work-related and sports-related injuries.


• A heavy or sudden strain to the lower back.


• A sudden twisting movement or even sneezing.

* If you have sustained back injury due to a fall from a high place (a stool or ladder) or a traumatic injury (a motor vehicle accident) and feel numbness or weakness in one or both of your legs, you should not be moved until emergency medical assistance arrives.

Long-term problems Related to Herniated Discs:
There are times when a slipped disk injury will resolve itself quickly, but more likely is that a person who has suffered a herniated disk will have long-term, chronic pain from the injury. These problems can include:

• Recurring pain, with periods of painlessness decreasing with time.


• Chronic or long-lasting pain from disc material pressing against a nerve.


• Chronic Pain Syndrome due to ongoing pain. Chronic Pain Syndrome can lead to anxiety, depression, and difficulty coping with daily tasks.


• The loss of mobility, strength, or feeling in one or both legs and feet.


• The loss of bowel, bladder, and sexual function as a result of the nerve compression. This condition is known as cauda equina syndrome is very rare and should receive immediate medical attention.

Risk factors for a Bulging Disc:
It is important to know the major risk factors for sustaining a protruding disc injury. Most of the causes have to do with strenuous activity or exertion of great force on the back. See below for a list of risk factors:
Work or repetitive activities that involve:

• exposure to constant vibration (such as driving)


• extended periods of sitting


• extreme physical exertion


• frequent back-bending or back-twisting


• lifting or pulling heavy objects


• repetitive motion


• Strenuous physical activity especially in middle aged and older men


• Being overweight


• Smoking


• Age


• History of back injury

Call us now if you have been injured! If you or a loved one has suffered a back injury due to an accident or work-related incident, you should contact a lawyer to learn about your rights. Protect yourself by having a knowledgeable and experienced attorney on your side. Let the Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP guide you through the crucial time. Call now for a free consultation at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776).