Workers' comp for California employees with herniated discs

Many California workers may find themselves in need of workers' compensation if they sustain a herniated lumbar disc injury while on the job. A herniated disc occurs in the connected bones or vertebrae of the spine. Vertebrae are held together by strong and cushioned connective tissues called discs. These discs are made of a hard outer shell and filled with gel-like watery substance that absorbs impact from movement.

With age, the nucleus pulposus gel within the disc can begin to disappear, causing a loss of protection for the vertebrae. When the water within the disc leaks through the hard outer shell, a herniated or ruptured disc occurs. The lower lumbar area of the spine is the most common location for a herniated disc to occur, and the bottom two discs are typically the most vulnerable.

Herniated lumbar discs can cause pain as well as numbness, tingling and weakness in the legs. Leg weakness due to a herniated disc is known as sciatica, a condition that affects between 1 and 2 percent of all adults. The typical age of onset is between 30 and 50, which makes it a common workplace injury. Without medical intervention, a herniated disc can result in continual weakening of the spine and leg as well as continued pain.

Although most patients with a herniated disc do not require surgery, the various nonsurgical treatments available may be expensive. From lost wages to medical expenses from work-related accidents, workers with herniated lumbar discs may be able to file for workers' compensation in order to receive benefits.

Source: North American Spine Society, "Herniated Lumbar Disc", October 28, 2014