Between the bones of your spinal column, you have soft discs that provide padding. These discs have a jelly-like substance in the middle and a tougher outer shell.
A herniated disc happens when one of these discs becomes damaged. There may be a tear in the outer surface. Some of the jelly-like material is then able to escape, and it can put pressure on nerves in that part of the spinal column. This can often lead to extensive back pain, especially in the lower back.
What are potential symptoms?
Along with general back pain, someone with a herniated disc may experience:
- Pain in the arms and legs, moving through the extremities
- A sharp pain that is often described as a burning feeling
- A sensation of tingling or numbness because of the pressure being put on the nerves
- General weakness in the muscles connected to those nerves. Someone with a herniated disc may be more likely to stumble, fall or lose their balance, for example
Often, a herniated disc will be most painful initially, and the symptoms will slowly abate. But it can also be reaggravated, potentially by activities in the workplace, such as a nurse who has to lift heavy patients or a warehouse worker who has to lift items from a pallet. Once the herniated disc exists, there is always a risk of greater discomfort and back pain.
Workers’ comp. options
Have you suffered a back injury, a spinal cord injury or a herniated disc on the job? If so, it can have a dramatic impact on your quality of life, and it is important for you to understand your workers’ comp. options.
