Workers’ Compensation For Bulging Discs

Bulging discs and herniated discs are similar, but it is important to know that there are distinctions between these types of injuries that can result from workplace tasks and accidents. If you have a job that puts you at risk of a back injury, it will be important to work with a health care provider to determine whether you have a bulging disc and, ultimately, whether the bulging disc may have arisen out of your employment. When you have been diagnosed with a bulging disc, and your injury will prevent you from working in addition to requiring treatment, it is critical to seek advice from an experienced West Palm Beach workers’ compensation lawyer who can help you to seek workers’ compensation benefits.

What is a Bulging Disc?

 Many people assume that a herniated disc (which is sometimes known as a bulged disc, according to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS)) is the same thing as a bulging disc. However, herniated discs are different types of injuries than herniated discs. According to the University of Pennsylvania Medicine: “A bulging disc is like letting air out of a car tire. The disc sags and looks like it is bulging outward. With a herniated disc, the outer covering of the disc has a hole or tear. This causes the nucleus pulposus (jelly-like center of the disc) to leak into the spinal canal.”

The Mayo Clinic explains the distinction like this: “A bulging disk doesn’t always affect the entire perimeter of a disk, but at least a quarter if not half of the disk’s circumference is usually affected. Only the outer layer of tough cartilage is involved. A herniated disk, on the other hand, results when a crack in the tough outer layer of cartilage allows some of the soft inner cartilage to protrude out of the disk.”

What Kinds of Workplace Jobs or Tasks Can Cause Bulging Discs?

Many kinds of jobs can result in prolonged motions that can cause back pain and, ultimately, back injuries like herniated discs and bulging discs. Some common types of jobs associated with back injuries include but are not limited to:

• Factory and manufacturing work;
• Warehousing;
• Auto mechanic work;
• Dentists and dental hygienists;
• Construction work;
• Landscaping and lawn care;
• Office work;
• Nursing; and
• Driving, including truck drivers and delivery drivers.

How Can I Know If I Have a Compensable Bulging Disc Injury?

In order for a bulging disc injury to be compensable through the Florida workers’ compensation system, the injury must have arisen out of your employment. In other words, the injury must have been caused by a task or accident sustained while you were on the clock, or an existing condition must have been worsened by a workplace task or accident. One of the experienced West Palm Beach workers’ compensation lawyers at our firm can evaluate your circumstances to help you understand whether your bulging disc injury may be compensable under Florida workers’ compensation law.

Contact a West Palm Beach Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Bulging discs can make it difficult or impossible to perform your regular work tasks. If your bulging disc injury arose out of your employment, you may be eligible to obtain workers’ compensation benefits, and one of the experienced West Palm Beach workers’ compensation attorneys at the Law Offices of David M. Benenfeld, P.A. can help. Do not hesitate to get in touch with our firm to learn more about the services we provide to injured workers who are seeking workers’ compensation benefits in Florida.

Sources:

aans.org/en/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Herniated-Disc#:~:text=A%20herniated%20disc%20

mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/herniated-disk/expert-answers/bulging-disk/faq-20058428

pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/musculoskeletal-and-rheumatology/2018/november/bulging-disc-vs-herniated-disc

leg.state.fl.us/STATUTES/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0440/0440ContentsIndex.html