Symptoms of a Herniated or Bulging Disc
Disc injuries can produce different symptoms depending on the location of the injury and whether the disc is pressing against or irritating a nearby nerve. Some people have no symptoms, while others experience significant pain and limitations.
Common symptoms may include:
- Neck or back pain
- Pain that travels into an arm or leg
- Numbness or tingling
- Muscle weakness
- Burning or shooting pain
- Difficulty lifting or holding objects
- Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
- Reduced range of motion
- Pain that worsens with certain movements
A lower-back disc injury may cause pain extending into the buttocks, thigh, calf, or foot. A disc injury in the neck may cause pain or other symptoms in the shoulder, arm, or hand.
Symptoms can affect more than just your physical comfort. Persistent pain, weakness, or limited movement may make it difficult to work, drive, exercise, sleep, or perform everyday tasks.
How Are Herniated and Bulging Disc Injuries Diagnosed?
Diagnosing a disc injury generally begins with a medical evaluation. A doctor may review your symptoms and medical history and perform a physical examination to evaluate movement, strength, reflexes, and sensation.
Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may order imaging or other diagnostic tests, including:
- X-rays
- MRI scans
- CT scans
- Nerve conduction studies
- Electromyography (EMG)
An MRI may help doctors identify problems involving the spinal discs and determine whether a disc is affecting nearby structures.
Medical documentation can also be important in a personal injury claim. Insurance companies may question whether an accident caused a disc injury, particularly when a person has a history of back or neck problems. Medical records, diagnostic imaging, treatment history, and evidence about your symptoms before and after the accident can help establish what happened.
Treatment for Herniated and Bulging Disc Injuries
Treatment depends on the location and severity of the injury and the symptoms it causes. Many people with herniated discs improve with conservative treatment and do not require surgery.
Treatment may include:
- Rest or activity modification
- Physical therapy
- Prescription or over-the-counter medication
- Steroid injections
- Chiropractic care when appropriate
- Specialized rehabilitation
- Other pain-management treatments
- Surgery in more serious cases
Some people may eventually require a procedure to remove the damaged portion of a disc or another type of spinal surgery. The appropriate treatment depends on the individual injury and the recommendations of the treating medical professionals.
The length of recovery can vary. Some people improve with conservative treatment, while others experience persistent symptoms that require ongoing care.
How a Disc Injury Can Affect Your Life
A herniated or bulging disc can affect nearly every part of daily life. Pain and limited mobility may make it difficult to perform physical tasks at work, sit or stand for extended periods, drive, exercise, or participate in activities you previously enjoyed.
Depending on the severity of the injury, you may experience:
- Missed time from work
- Difficulty performing job duties
- Reduced ability to lift, bend, or stand
- Difficulty caring for children or family members
- Ongoing medical treatment
- Restrictions on exercise and recreation
- Chronic pain
- Sleep difficulties
- Changes to normal daily activities
A serious disc injury can also affect your future. If your condition limits the type of work you can perform or requires continuing medical care, those consequences may become important when determining the full value of your claim.
Compensation for Herniated and Bulging Disc Injuries
If another person’s negligence caused your disc injury, you may be entitled to seek compensation for the losses associated with the accident.
Depending on the circumstances, compensation may include:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Doctor and specialist visits
- Diagnostic testing and imaging
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Prescription medications
- Injections or other procedures
- Future medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Physical impairment
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life
The value of a disc injury claim depends on factors such as the severity of the injury, treatment required, impact on your ability to work, expected future medical needs, and the evidence establishing that the accident caused or aggravated the injury.
Proving an Accident Caused Your Herniated or Bulging Disc
One of the challenges in a disc injury claim is establishing the connection between the accident and your medical condition.
Insurance companies may argue that a disc injury existed before an accident or that the accident did not cause the symptoms being claimed. This can make medical records and other evidence particularly important.
Evidence that may help support a disc injury claim includes:
- Medical records from before and after the accident
- MRI or other imaging results
- Doctors’ opinions
- Treatment records
- Prescription records
- Accident reports
- Photographs and videos
- Witness statements
- Employment records
- Documentation of missed work
- Evidence showing changes in daily activities
If you had a pre-existing back or neck condition, that does not necessarily mean you cannot pursue a claim. An accident may aggravate an existing condition or cause symptoms that were not previously present. The specific medical evidence and circumstances of the accident matter.
How KNR Helps With Herniated and Bulging Disc Claims
A disc injury claim requires more than establishing that you have a diagnosis. KNR works to investigate how the accident happened, establish responsibility, and document the full impact of your injury.
Our attorneys may:
- Investigate the circumstances of the accident
- Determine who may be legally responsible
- Collect accident reports and other evidence
- Review medical records and diagnostic imaging
- Work with medical professionals when appropriate
- Document your treatment and recovery
- Evaluate the effect of your injury on your employment
- Calculate current and future losses
- Communicate with insurance companies
- Negotiate for fair compensation
- Prepare your case for litigation if necessary
Building a strong claim may require showing how the accident affected your spine, how your symptoms changed after the accident, what treatment you required, and how the injury has affected your life.
KNR helps injured Ohioans pursue compensation based on the full circumstances of their injuries rather than allowing an insurance company to minimize the seriousness of a spinal injury.
Why Choose Kisling, Nestico & Redick for a Disc Injury Claim?
For more than 20 years, Kisling, Nestico & Redick has represented injured Ohioans in personal injury cases involving car accidents, truck crashes, falls, and other negligent acts. KNR has attorneys and offices throughout Ohio and handles personal injury claims statewide.
When you work with KNR, you can expect:
- A thorough review of your accident and injuries
- Careful evaluation of medical evidence
- Help gathering and preserving evidence
- Communication with insurance companies on your behalf
- Evaluation of current and future losses
- Negotiation focused on pursuing fair compensation
- Preparation for trial if a reasonable settlement cannot be reached
Our attorneys understand that a herniated or bulging disc can affect your health, employment, finances, and quality of life. We work to understand the full impact of your injury and pursue the compensation available under the circumstances of your case.
Frequently Asked Questions About Herniated and Bulging Disc Claims
Can I file a personal injury claim for a herniated or bulging disc?
Yes, if another person’s negligence caused your accident and your injury, you may be able to pursue a personal injury claim. Your claim may include compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses.
Can a car accident cause a herniated disc?
Yes. The force and sudden movement involved in a car accident can injure the spine and contribute to a herniated or bulging disc. Medical evidence is important when determining whether the accident caused or aggravated the condition.
What if I had back problems before my accident?
Having a pre-existing condition does not automatically prevent you from pursuing a personal injury claim. An accident may aggravate an existing condition or cause symptoms to worsen significantly, but the specific medical evidence and the circumstances of the accident must be evaluated.
How do insurance companies challenge disc injury claims?
Insurance companies may argue that a disc condition existed before the accident, that the accident was not severe enough to cause the injury, or that the injury is less serious than claimed. Medical records, diagnostic imaging, treatment history, and other evidence can help establish the nature and impact of the injury.
Do I need an MRI to prove a herniated disc injury?
An MRI can provide important information about the condition of the spinal discs, but the appropriate diagnostic testing depends on the individual circumstances. A medical professional can determine what testing is appropriate based on your symptoms and physical examination.
How long does it take to recover from a herniated or bulging disc?
Recovery depends on the type and severity of the injury and the treatment required. Some people improve with conservative treatment, while others experience symptoms that require ongoing care or more extensive treatment.
How long do I have to file a disc injury claim in Ohio?
Ohio law sets deadlines for personal injury lawsuits, and the applicable deadline may depend on the circumstances of the case. Because missing a legal deadline can affect your ability to pursue a claim, it is important to discuss your situation with an attorney as soon as possible.
Contact an Ohio Herniated & Bulging Disc Lawyer
A herniated or bulging disc can affect your ability to work, move comfortably, and enjoy your everyday life. If someone else’s negligence caused your injury, you may have legal options for pursuing compensation.
Kisling, Nestico & Redick represents people injured throughout Ohio. Our attorneys can investigate your accident, review the evidence surrounding your disc injury, and pursue compensation for the full extent of your losses.
Contact KNR today for a free consultation with an Ohio herniated-disc and bulging-disc lawyer. You pay nothing unless we win.
