Herniated Disc (Disc Herniation)

Many injured accident victims who contact our law firm tell us that they have a slipped or ruptured disk in their neck or lower back. They are talking about a herniated disc, which is a typical source of pain in the neck, lower back, arms, or legs. Discs are soft pads which are located in between the bones also known as vertebrae which compose the spine.  The spinal canal is an empty space which is in the middle of the spine which holds the spinal cord in addition to the nerve roots.  In between the vertebrae there are discs which enable the back to bend and stiffen.  The discs are often compared to shock absorbers in motor vehicles. 

In the lower back, which is also known as the lumbar spine, the discs are made up of a dense outer circle of cartilage (annulus) and a gel like material which is the nucleus.   In the neck, which is also known as the cervical spine, the discs are alike except they are smaller in size.  Discs herniate (or rupture) if part of the center nucleus protrudes (pushes) through the outside of the disc and towards the spinal canal.  Disc herniations put pressure on the nerves.  Nerves in the spine a extremely sensitive to miraculously light levels of pressure, which cause pain, loss of feeling, or lack of strength in either or both of the legs. 

In kids, teenagers and adults, the discs have a large water amount.  When individuals get older, the water amount in the disc lowers and the disc becomes stiffer.  The discs become smaller in size and the vertebrae spaces get smaller.  Different things that are known to lower the strength of the discs are not proper lifting, smoking cigarettes, too much weight in the lower back. Discs strength can be reduced such as a accident, whether a car accident or a slip and fall.  Some doctors testify that reaching to get a pencil can cause a herniated disc.  Other doctors say that minor auto accidents most likely do not cause a herniated disc.  Repetitive tough daily activities can decrease the strength of a disc.