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ChatDo you know about the “flat tires” vs. “jelly donuts” analogy? You probably don’t unless you’re a medical professional or personal injury attorney! As a personal injury law firm serving our Rhode Island and Massachusetts communities, our attorneys and legal professionals must know the difference between a potential herniated disc vs. a bulging disc to demonstrate legal causation in your car accident case!
People tend to use the terms “herniated” and “bulging” interchangeably. However, the terms reflect different disc injuries that often occur in the lower back or neck.
Today’s blog discusses the difference between two spinal injuries: herniated and bulging discs. Additionally, read on to learn how our firm can help prove that you sustained your neck and back injuries after a car accident.
What is a Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc occurs when a spinal disc is pressed or otherwise impacted. At impact, the center, gel-like substance (known as the nucleus) in the affected disc will ooze out, like the jelly in a jelly donut, if pressed upon. The gel-like substance exiting the disc is called “herniation.”
According to the Mayo Clinic, a lower back herniated disc (also known as a “slipped” or “ruptured” disc) will likely cause lower back, behind, thigh, and calf pain. A herniated disc in the neck will likely cause shoulder and arm pain. After a personal injury accident, like a car accident, you should seek medical care right away and describe any immediate neck and back pain you feel. If you do not feel pain right away, be prepared to visit a doctor should pain arise – it is not uncommon to sustain delayed onset injuries!
As car accident personal injury professionals, we routinely demonstrate legal causation (proximate cause) to ensure our clients receive legal compensation. This means that to recover your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, etc., an attorney must demonstrate that the at-fault party caused your disc herniation.
What is a Bulging Disc and How is it Different Than a Herniated Disc?
A bulging disc occurs when a disc weakens and begins to bulge outward, like how a flat tire bulges outward as it loses air. Because the rubbery exterior of a disc (called the annulus) bulges outward, it can cause nerve irritation and damage.
However, a herniated disc is generally more likely to cause severe pain than a bulging disc because of how far the gel-like substance protrudes. A bulging disc can turn into a herniated disc if left untreated.
How Are Disc Injuries Treated?
You generally treat a disc injury based on the extent of the injury. In some cases, doctors best treat herniated and bulging discs with pain medication and reduced movement. Your doctor will also likely recommend physical therapy or at-home exercises. Your doctor may eventually suggest injections, electrotherapy, and/or chiropractic therapy to help manage pain and rehabilitate the area.
In the case of an advanced herniated disc, your doctor may recommend surgery, wherein a surgeon removes the protruding portion of the disc (diskectomy). If the entire disc needs removed, your surgeon may need to fuse your vertebrae (bones that make up your spine) with a bone graft.
How Can a Rhode Island and Massachusetts Personal Injury Law Firm Help Me Get Compensated for My Neck and Back Pain?
You must show legal causation to recover damages. At Bottaro Injury Lawyers, we take away the stress of managing your case. Instead, while you focus on healing, a good personal injury lawyer will use the evidence in your case (police reports, witness statements, photographs, medical records, etc.) and/or other reports (medical testimony, accident recreation reports, etc.) to show how the at-fault party or parties caused your injuries.
In short, a herniated disc is different from a bulging disc. A herniated disc refers to a tear of the outer wall (annulus) resulting in gel-like substance exiting the disc. Alternatively, a bulging disc indicates an expansion of the annulus that often leads to nerve irritation. Trauma, like a car accident, can cause one or both conditions. However, knowing the difference between a herniated disc vs. a bulging disc matters regarding legal causation. If you’ve sustained neck or back pain because of a personal injury accident, call us to discuss your options!
It’s Good to Know Mike Bottaro – 24/7 Top-Rated Personal Injury Help
At Bottaro Injury Lawyers, we care for people. Attorney Mike Bottaro and his award-winning legal team handle all types of personal injury cases throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts. We can even help with cases in other states as well. We pride ourselves on our honesty, integrity, and results. Contact us 24/7 in any method you prefer for a fast, free, and confidential consultation about your case. Text or call us at 401-777-7777 or fill out our free and confidential online form. We are here to serve and help you!