A herniated disc involves displacement of the inner disc material through the outer annulus. It is distinguished from a bulge, which is a broader symmetric extension without focal rupture.
Symptoms depend on whether the herniation contacts a nerve root, and many herniations identified on imaging are asymptomatic.
Alternative Names:
Disc Herniation, Herniated Nucleus Pulposus, HNP
Why it Matters?
This is the highest-value common injury claim, since a herniation with radicular symptoms can support surgery and substantial future damages. The causation dispute is whether the finding is traumatic or degenerative, and it turns on the patient's age, the presence of degenerative changes elsewhere in the spine, prior imaging, and whether symptoms appeared immediately after the incident or weeks later. Studies showing herniations in asymptomatic populations are standard defense literature.
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Frequently asked questions
How is a traumatic herniation distinguished from a degenerative one?
Do all herniations cause symptoms?
