Many workers in Illinois suffer from back pain caused by a herniated disc. It is important to understand your condition and whether it may be compensable under Illinois workers' compensation law.
In between each of the vertebrae in your spine, there is spongy material called a disc. Discs cushion the bones in the spine and act as shock absorbers for everyday wear and tear. In the event of an injury to the spine, a disc may rupture or bulge out of place, causing the disc to become herniated. This type of injury may occur suddenly, such as with a fall or other accident, or it may be the result of repetitive straining of the spine.
If a disc bulges out from between two vertebrae, it can press on the nerves in the spine, causing pain. This pain may travel, or "radiate" down your arms (if the herniated disc is in your neck), or down your legs (if the injury is in your lower back). Other symptoms of a herniated disc include numbness and tingling, muscle weakness, and perhaps bladder and bowel problems. If your symptoms are severe, it is important to seek medical treatment right away.
A herniated disc is typically diagnosed through physical examination by a doctor or with the use of an MRI or CT scan. Once it is determined that a herniated disc exists, your doctor will help you come up with a treatment plan. Many times, a herniated disc will resolve on its own within a few weeks or months. Your doctor may also recommend home exercise and physical therapy. Unfortunately, medication will not "cure" a herniated disc, although it may help to reduce pain and swelling. If conservative treatment options do not work to alleviate symptoms, surgery might be necessary to remove or repair the broken disc.
A herniated disc can cause serious or permanent disability and affect your ability to work. If you believe that your herniated disc is the result of an injury at work, report the injury to your employer and consult an Illinois work injury attorney today.
