Herniated & Bulging Disc Back Injuries | Slepkow Law

The human spine consists of 26 bones called vertebrae. In between those vertebrae are discs that act as cushions or shock absorbers that protect the intricate structure and anatomy of the spine and central nervous system. On each side of the vertebrae are spinal nerves that branch out from the spinal cord. If you were injured in a slip and fall accident in Rhode Island causing a herniated disk then you should immediately retain a top Rhode Island slip and fall lawyer.

Disk herniation from slipping and falling on ice

Sudden intense pressure on a disc can cause it to herniate. For example, falling and landing in a sitting position can result in a herniated disc. Anybody who lives in a cold climate knows that landing in a sitting position can result from slipping and falling on ice.

Disk anatomy and herniation

Each disc has two parts. Inside each one is a soft jelly-like material called the nucleus pulposus. On the outside of each disc is a cartilaginous stringy material that surrounds the disc and holds the nucleus pulposus in. That’s called the annulus. When a disc herniates, the annulus breaks, and the nucleus pulposus pops outside of the annulus and impinges on the nerve root at that level of the spine. Common symptoms can include intense pain, tingling, numbness or interference with use of extremities.

Lumbar disc herniation

A lumbar (lower back) disc herniation is 15 times more likely to occur than a cervical (neck) disk herniation. It’s probably the most common cause of lower back pain. That pain is ordinarily most intense in the buttocks, thigh and calf. It might also involve your foot too.

Liability for slip and falls on ice

Injuries from slip and falls on ice in RI typically occur in business parking lots and on their sidewalks. The owners or occupiers of commercial properties have a duty of reasonable care to the general public to maintain their premises by removing snow and ice. What’s reasonable is a question of fact that might have to be decided by a jury. If you fell on property owned by federal, state or municipal governmental entities there may be very quick notice requirements and therefore you must immediately retain a Rhode Island slip and fall lawyer.

Weather conditions can change in a matter of hours. If you can take photos of the area you fell at, do so immediately. You might even be able to send somebody to photograph it for you. If there were any witnesses, you’ll want to ask for their contact information. Get treatment right away, and then call a Providence slip and fall attorney. Don’t give the other side any statements until you have discussed the matter with a Rhode island slip and fall lawyer or a slip and fall attorney in RI. You’re not required to. A Rhode Island slip and fall lawyer or premises liability attorneys will help you get the settlement or judgment that you deserve as a result of a slip and fall accident causing a herniated disk or other serious injury.

Herniated and bulging disc injuries are common types of back injuries that can result from automobile accidents, especially in cases of high-impact collisions. These injuries can cause significant pain and discomfort, and they often require medical attention and sometimes even surgical intervention. Here’s an overview of herniated and bulging disc injuries in the context of automobile accidents:

1. Herniated Disc (Slipped Disc):
   • A herniated disc occurs when the soft, gel-like center (nucleus pulposus) of an intervertebral disc in the spine pushes through the tough outer layer (annulus fibrosus).
   • This can lead to compression or irritation of nearby spinal nerves, resulting in pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the back, buttocks, legs, or feet.
   • Automobile accidents can exert tremendous force on the spine, causing the discs to herniate, especially in rear-end collisions.
2. Bulging Disc:
   • A bulging disc is when the disc protrudes beyond its normal boundaries but doesn’t rupture or leak its inner contents.
   • It can still put pressure on nearby nerves and cause similar symptoms to a herniated disc, such as pain and numbness.

In the context of automobile accidents:

• Causes: The force and impact of a car accident can cause sudden, violent movements of the spine, leading to these disc injuries. They are often more prevalent in rear-end collisions, where the spine is subject to rapid acceleration and deceleration.
• Symptoms: Symptoms can vary but often include back pain, radiating leg pain (sciatica), numbness, tingling, and weakness. The severity of symptoms depends on the location and extent of the disc injury.
• Diagnosis: Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, imaging studies (such as MRI or CT scans), and sometimes nerve conduction studies to assess nerve function.
• Treatment:
  • Conservative treatments may include rest, physical therapy, pain medication, and epidural steroid injections.
  • In more severe cases, or if conservative measures don’t provide relief, surgery may be necessary. The two most common surgical procedures for disc injuries are discectomy (removing the damaged portion of the disc) and spinal fusion (joining two or more vertebrae together to stabilize the spine).
• Recovery: Recovery from herniated or bulging disc injuries can vary greatly, depending on the severity of the injury and the chosen treatment. Some people may experience relief with non-surgical treatments, while others may require a more extended recovery period following surgery.

If you’ve been involved in an automobile accident and suspect a herniated or bulging disc injury, it’s essential to seek prompt medical attention. A healthcare professional can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend an appropriate treatment plan to help alleviate pain and promote recovery. Legal consultation may also be necessary to address issues related to insurance claims and liability, especially if the accident was caused by another party’s negligence.