Million Dollar Advocates Forum
Marquis Who's Who America's Biographer since 1899
American Association for Justice
The Chicago Bar Association
Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
Illinois State Bar Association

About Herniated Disc or Ruptured Disc Injuries

October 17, 2007

The spine is comprised of a series of connected bones called vertebrae. A disc is comprised of an out layer (or "annulus fibrosus") and gel like center (or "nucleous pulpulsa") which separates parts of the vertebrae from one another. In many ways, a disc acts like a cushion between the vertebrae. Trauma from an auto accident, fall or stressing event can cause the disc to herniated or rupture, where the outer layer tears and begins to leak the inner gel. In other instances, old age can cause disc to degenerate which may or may not cause pain.

When a Disc Herniates or Ruptures

If a disc herniates or ruptures, it can press on nerves in the spine causing pain, numbness, tingling or weakness in one or more extremities. For example, a herniated disc in the back or lumbar region can cause these symptoms down a leg (often called "sciatica"). A herniated disc in the neck can cause the same symptoms down an arm.

The typical course of treatment is a combination of medication and physical therapy. Sometimes, the symptoms from a herniated disc will resolve over time. Other times, these symptoms will not improve and may worsen. When conservative measures fail, an injection or surgery is often recommended.

The goal of surgery is to make the herniated disc stop pressing on and irritating the nerves that cause pain, numbness, tingling or weakness. A common surgical procedure for herniated disc is called a "discectomy" or "partial discectomy." During this procedure, all or part of the herniated disc is removed.

If you believe you or a loved one has suffered a herniated or ruptured disc because of another' negligence, please contact our Chicago Personal Injury Office for a free consultation.

Read the Latest News About Herniated Disc Injuries »

 
Client Reviews
★★★★★
Thorough, articulate, and extremely knowledgeable of the law. Jason is someone I would highly recommend to family and friends. He represented me in an automobile case and was very happy with the overall experience and outcome! Joni S.
★★★★★
Jason handled a very challenging auto accident case for me. My injuries were all based on preexisting conditions that were made worse by the accident. He did an amazing job proving up my case, which included destroying the defense expert at deposition. In the end, I received an excellent settlement on a tough case. Jason is a very smart, talented, and diligent lawyer who I would highly recommend to anyone. Phil S.