Different Types of Spinal Disc Injuries

One of the more common types of back and spine injuries impact the spinal discs. There are different types of disc injuries that can occur as a result of a personal injury accident that can result in pain and other significant consequences for victims. The experienced Nashville personal injury lawyers at Mitch Grissim & Associates understand the damage caused by spinal disc injuries and are here to represent your interests after an accident. To learn more, call or contact our office today for a free evaluation of your claims. 

What are Spinal Discs?

Spinal discs are the cushions that separate the bones of the spine, known as the vertebrae. Each person has 24 spinal discs that have tough exteriors and gel-like interiors that operate as shock absorbers that protect your spine from serious impacts, accidents, and injuries. However, the discs themselves can also suffer damage in an accident, causing physical impairment and other damage. Common results of spinal disc injuries include problems sleeping, impacted quality of life, pain, impaired mobility, muscle weakness, and an inability to work. 

Disc Injury Types

Spinal disc injuries come in different types, often identified by the amount of damage caused to the individual disc as a result of an accident or injury. The three main types of disc injuries are a bulging disc, herniated disc, and degenerative disc disease. 

Bulging Disc 

A bulging disc occurs when a bulge in the exterior membrane of a disc occurs, but the disc does not rupture. Oftentimes, the bulge occurs in the rear or sides of the disc, which can place additional pressure on the nerves and blood vessels surrounding the spinal cord. Symptoms of a bulging disc after an accident include weakness, tingling, pain, numbness, a feeling of heaviness, difficulty walking, and a burning sensation in the back.

Herniated Disc

A herniated disc, also referred to as a slipped or ruptured disc, occurs when the exterior membrane is torn, and the gel-like interior of the disc pushes out. This type of injury can irritate the surrounding nerves and cause additional damage to the surrounding vertebrae that no longer have the disc cushion between them, and surgery is sometimes required to fix the injury. Falls or significant impacts to the back during an accident can cause a herniated disc. Symptoms of a herniated disc include back pain, pain in the extremities, numbness, and tingling.

Degenerative Disc Disease

The last type of spinal disc injury is degenerative disc disease. This injury can occur naturally over time when discs begin to show wear and tear. This damage can cause increasing pain for those afflicted. However, accidents that result in injuries to the back and spine can accelerate degenerative disc disease, causing more damage faster for victims. Degenerative disc disease can result in significant pain that gets worse over time, muscle weakness, numbness, and tingling.

Call or Contact Our Office Now

Have you or a loved one suffered a spinal disc injury as a result of an accident? The experienced personal injury lawyers at Mitch Grissim & Associates are here to help. Call the office or contact us today to learn more.