Kentucky Accident Blog

What is a Bulging Disk?

A bulging disk is a condition that manifests in the spine.  Bulging disks usually occur in the lower part of the back or  the lumbar region. The condition involves a disk that bulges through an opening in the spine.  Occasionally bulging disks can affect the neck as well.  Disks serve as a cushion for the vertebrae of the spine and are composed of a soft gelatinous material.  Usually, but not always,  a bulging disk is the result of aging.  Another cause of a bulging disc is a traumatic occurrence. This can be anything from a fall to an auto accident. The disk can shift out of its normal radius and can cause pain.

Bulging disks differ from herniated disks in that they usually develop over time while a herniated disk is the result of an immediate trauma or injury to the spine.  Commonly there is no pain associated with a bulging disk unless it becomes herniated or ruptures.  Because it doesn’t cause pain it often goes unnoticed and undiagnosed.  It can be diagnosed as a secondary condition and detected only through routine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests. There can be pain from a bulging disc if the bulge comes in contact with the nerve root.

The good news is that the treatment of a bulging disk is generally conservative.  The treatment may involve rest and lifting restrictions.  Ice and heat therapy along with anti-inflammatory medication or cortisone injections are also different forms of treatment.  If pain is involved medication may be prescribed depending on the severity.  Occasionally back surgery may needed to relieve severe pain.

If you feel radiating pain from your neck to your shoulders and down through your arms that may be a sign that a nerve in the neck is pinched.  Similarly, if you feel radiating pain through your legs that may indicate a nerve in your lower back is being pinched.

As a lawyer who has handled many car accident cases it has become apparent to me that any back, neck, or head pain should always be checked out by a physician. 

For more information on me, a lawyer from Louisville, Kentucky go to www.mikeschaferlaw.com.

Does Back Pain Need Surgery?

Almost everyone in their life has suffered some form of backache.  Backaches or injuries to your spine can be caused by aging, improper body mechanics and/or trauma such as an automobile accident or a fall.  These injuries will put pressure on your spinal nerves which will cause pain as well as other symptoms.

There are several treatment options available to address back aches.  Traditional remedies are anti-inflammatory medication(aspirin or ibuprofen), ice or heat therapy, massage, and physical therapy.  When these treatments don’t work a doctor may recommend back surgery.  The drawback to back surgery is that it may not help with all back pain which is why it is seldom offered.

Back surgery is usually offered when there is an indication when a nerve is pinched, when the spinal cord is compressed or there is too much movement between the spinal bones.  If there is pain the radiates down your legs or arms; have tingling or weakness in your arms or legs, or if you suffer loss of control in your bladder or bowel these are all indications of nerve damage. A direct injury to the spine can result in nerve damage by causing a bone fracture along the spine.

By exercising and keeping your back muscles in shape you may be able to prevent recurrent back problems.  Controlling your weight and using good body mechanics is also helpful.  For more information on Louisville, Kentucky lawyer, Mike Schafer go to www.mikeschaferlaw.com.