Yes, a slip and fall can cause a bulging disc. Read on to learn more about how it occurs.

What Is a Bulging Disc?

There are discs located between your spinal vertebrae that absorb shock and help you move. A disc can swell (or bulge) through the crevices in your spine. This swelling or bulging often occurs over a long period of time but can also occur following traumatic physical accidents such as slip and falls.

Note: A bulging disc is not the same as a herniated disc. A herniated disc occurs when the disc tears and the jelly-like nucleus pushes through the crack, placing pressure on nearby nerves and often causing intense pain.

How Does a Bulging Disc Occur?

The discs between your vertebrae must be strong to absorb daily impacts on the spine. However, they are not impervious to damage. Discs suffer wear and tear and begin to bulge for a variety of reasons. This bulging typically occurs over an extended period of time. However, sudden impacts, such as slipping and falling on your back can also cause a disc to bulge.

What Are the Symptoms Associated with Bulging and Herniated Discs?

While it is not possible to know for sure whether you suffered a bulging or herniated disc without visiting a doctor for an X-ray or MRI, there are some symptoms to look out for.

While not as painful as a herniated disc, a bulging disc can be problematic because it can cause a narrowing of the spinal canal. Known as spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal can put pressure on nerves and cause:

  • Pain and tingling in your hands, fingers, arms, shoulders, and/or neck
  • Pain the upper back. An additional sign to look for is if that back pain extends to your chest or stomach
  • Lower back pain
  • Muscle spasms (Bulging discs can cause your reflexes to overrespond to stimuli, leading to muscle spasms.)

There is some overlap between the type of symptoms you expect with bulging and herniated discs. But there are key differences. The symptoms for herniated discs are as follows:

  • Pain and numbness on one side of your body.
  • Pain extending through your arms and legs.
  • Sudden and unexpected weakness in your muscles.
  • Tingling, aches, and pains originating from the point of impact.
  • Pain when walking short distances.
  • Pain which worsens when standing or sitting for too long.
  • Difficulty completing certain movements
  • Pain that worsens in the evening or overnight

The type of pain and limitations you experience vary from person to person. If you recently slipped and fell, S. Burke Law recommends visiting a doctor immediately, even if you do not feel any pain following your fall. Medical examinations often reveal injuries that have not manifested. And diagnosing the injuries and their cause early greatly aids a potential personal injury claim.

Can I Recover Damages for My Bulging Disc?

Yes, you can recover damages for your bulging or herniated disc. What you recover depends on how your injury affected you. Some bulging discs resolve in a few weeks with no complications; other people can feel the effects for months or even years. You might be entitled to:

  • Medical bills (You might need an MRI to determine whether you will require treatment. Treatment might include pain medication, physical therapy, epidural injections, or surgery.)
  • Lost wages (If your profession requires a lot of movement, you might need to take time off work.)
  • Lost earning capacity (If your bulging disc will not go away for some time, you might need to move to another job. You are entitled to compensation for the difference in salary of those two jobs.)
  • Pain and suffering (A bulging disc can cause considerable pain and make it difficult to do physical activity, sleep, or even get comfortable. You deserve compensation for the pain and suffering you endured.)

Call S. Burke Law for Help Recovering the Damages You Deserve

To recover these damages, you must prove your slip and fall stemmed from another party’s negligence. A slip and fall on someone else’s property makes  premises liability a significant factor in a potential claim. Premises liability laws hold owners responsible for your injuries if they invited you onto the property.

We can help you determine whether you might have a valid case for damages.

Call us now to discuss your case during a free consultation: 404-842-7838.