Herniated discs are caused by sudden twisting or improper lifting. A herniated disc is a painful injury caused by inner parts of the disc spilling out and pressing on the nerves. When a herniated disc presses on the nerve roots it can cause pain, weakness, and numbness in the party of the body where the nerve travels.
Herniated discs commonly occur in the lower back. Lower back herniations can cause pain and numbness in the buttocks and down the leg. This is called sciatica ("sy-AT-ih-kuh"). Sciatica is the most common symptom of a herniated disc in the lower back. Herniated discs also frequently occur in the neck.
If you experience any of these symptoms you should notify your employer and consult a doctor. Your doctor may diagnose a herniated disc by asking questions about your symptoms and examining you. If your symptoms clearly point to a herniated disc, you may not need tests. However, if your doctor is not positive he can perform tests that will allow him to better evaluate your injury.
Symptoms from a herniated disc subside anywhere from a few weeks to a few months after they begin depending on the severity of the herniation. Frequently doctors prescribe medicine to help with the pain. Doctors also suggest physical therapy and rest. Many people have to miss work or can not perform all of their job duties after herniating a disc. In order to make sure that your work and doctor do all that they can for you, you should consult an Illinois Work Injury Attorney.
