Alaska Back Injury Lawyers
Helping Those Suffering from Herniated Discs

When someone is injured because of the actions of another person or people, he or she often needs help knowing how to proceed.  This can be a difficult situation for that person, especially when he or she is suffering from herniated discs as a result of the incident in question.  The Alaska back injury lawyers at Barber & Banker have been helping clients successfully seek justice for herniated disc injuries for many years.

If you or someone you love has suffered through herniated disc diagnoses and the pain that comes with them, you need preliminary information.  Below is a brief description of herniated discs, their common symptoms, examples of common causes of herniated discs and finally how you should proceed if someone's actions have forced you into this sort of pain and suffering.

The Nature of Herniated Discs

The human spinal cord is a series of small bones, or vertebrae.  In order to prevent these bones from rubbing together and causing painful friction, the body contains a series of oval-shaped pads that fit between these bones to provide cushion and to prevent this friction.  These pads are known as discs, and they consist of a rugged outer layer known as the annulus and a soft interior known as the nucleus.

A herniated disc describes a situation where the nucleus of the disc pushes out through a weakness or tear in the annulus and makes its way into the spinal canal.  This process can lead to the compressing of surrounding nerves and other problems that can lead to pain and other common symptoms.  Below are a few of those common symptoms of herniated discs:

• Pain in the lower back, leg, neck, chest or arm
• Numbness in the leg, back, neck, arm or chest
• Weakness in the legs, arms, back or neck
• Lower back pain that increases in intensity with movement, such as sitting, standing or walking
• Sciatica, which describes an aching pain complete with tingling and/or numbness that starts in the buttocks region and works its way down the back of one leg

There are cases where the patient does not feel the symptoms of a herniated disc, but that does not eliminate the risks involved with such a condition.  For other patients, the pain is so intense that it can all but debilitate that person and prevent the possibility of living a normal life until treatment is obtained.

Common Causes of Herniated Discs

While there are cases where herniated discs arise based on normal wear and tear, there are other situations that can lead to this problem.  Common examples include:

• Strenuous work duties
• Auto accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Trucking accidents
• Slips and falls
• Battery/Blunt force trauma

If someone suffers from herniated discs as a result of these causes or many others, it could give rise to a valid legal claim for damages suffered that include lost wages, medical costs, costs of ongoing treatment and pain and suffering.  

Alaska Back Injury Lawyers - How to Proceed

If you or someone you love has suffered from a herniated disc as a result of the negligence of someone else, you may be able to pursue justice in the form of the types of damages described above.  However, you'll need the help of experienced Alaska back and neck injury lawyers to provide yourself with the best chance of obtaining the relief you deserve.  Contact Barber & Banker today to schedule a free initial consultation.