Herniated Disc is a Painful Maritime Injury

A herniated disc is a painful maritime injury that can affect your ability to not only perform your job, but also everyday tasks. It is an injury that is so excruciating, that it can impact almost everything you do. If you are seaman or other maritime worker who is suffering from a herniated disc, you need to keep reading to find out about your treatment options and legal rights.

It is important to understand what may have caused your herniated disc, also referred to as ruptured disc or slipped disc. This type of injury can occur from wear and tear on the disc. It can also happen when the spine is injured, such as in a fall accident onboard a ship or platform. When a herniated disc is the result of a spine injury, tiny tears or cracks in the hard outer layer of the disc may form. The gel inside the disc is then forced out through these tears or cracks in the outer layer of the disc, which can lead to the disc bulging, breaking open or breaking into pieces.

Symptoms of a herniated disc from a maritime accident include pain, numbness, and weakness. If the injury is in the lower back, it can lead to pain and numbness that travels from the buttock down the leg.

There are treatment options available for a herniated disc and fortunately, only one in 10 people usually need surgery. The majority of people with herniated discs improve and are able to return to their normal activities. Treatment for this injury generally focuses on managing the pain with medication and limited movement. Cold or heat therapy, electrical stimulation, bracing, hydrotherapy and traction are some of the many treatments offered. Surgery is sometimes required to prevent the herniated disc from pressing on nerves and to relieve pain.

If you have suffered from a back injury, such as a herniated disc, caused by an offshore accident, you should contact an experienced maritime accident attorney at Vujasinovic & Beckcom P.L.L.C. at 713.224.7800 or 877.724.7800. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.