A herniated disc is one of the most common serious back injuries people experience, and it often happens as a result of on-the-job activity. When a disc is herniated, it becomes pushed out of its normal position between the vertebrae in the spine.

Without the cushion of the disc in its proper position, spinal nerves become pinched, resulting in excruciating back pain, shooting pains down the arms or legs, and tingling and numbness. Left untreated, a herniated disc can result in a medical emergency called cauda equina syndrome, in which sufferers can experience numbness in the genitals, difficulty with bladder and bowel control, and progressive numbness or weakness in the legs.

A herniated disc can happen suddenly, such as in a fall, or it can occur over time after repeated activities, such as bending and lifting, put recurring strain on the spine. Accidents sometimes put a disc in motion, but the disc doesn’t actually become fully herniated and produce symptoms for days or even weeks afterward. When a disc is herniated as a result of work activity – whether it is sudden or over time – it is coverable under workers’ compensation insurance.

Herniated discs can happen as a result of many types of job duties - from the more obvious ones in construction and warehouse work, to seemingly harmless tasks like filing or childcare. Following a physical examination and an MRI to diagnose a herniated disc, a doctor will recommend treatment which can include physical therapy, prescription medications, epidural steroid injections, and/or surgery.

At the law office of J. Franklin Burns, P.C., we have extensive experience investigating and proving that herniated disc injuries are the result of work accidents, job requirements or working conditions. We help our clients secure their workers' comp benefits so that they can take the time they need to heal before herniated discs lead to permanent physical disabilities.

Contact us today for your free, no-obligation consultation: 404-303-7770.