Did Negligence Cause Your Lower Back Injury?
"Lumbar" means pertaining to the abdominal segment of the torso. There are five vertebrae (bones) in the lumbar region of the back (L1 - L5). Between each lumbar vertebra, a nerve root exits to form the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve runs through the back of the legs and into the feet.
Back injuries can cause temporary or permanent disability. If your injury was caused by the negligence of another party, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills and other losses.
"At Murphy Law Firm LLC, our attorneys have more than 28 years of combined legal experience, and work hard to obtain successful resolutions for clients and their families. We will deal with the insurance company and work to ensure it pays you the compensation you deserve." · Attorney Peyton Murphy · Contact Murphy Law Firm
Muscle Strains and Lumbar Sprains
Muscle strains and lumbar sprains are the most common cause of lower back pain. A muscle strain occurs when the muscle fibers are abnormally stretched or torn. Symptoms can include pain around the lower back and upper buttocks, low back muscle spasms and pain associated with activities. Most patients develop a lumbar sprain or muscle strain because of a forceful movement, lifting a heavy object or twisting the back in an unusual manner.
Herniated Disk / Bulging Disk / Disk Prolapse / Slipped Disk
About 90 percent of these injuries occur at (lumbar) L-4 and L-5 or (sacral region) S-1 when the center of the disk leaks and puts pressure on the nerves which emerge from the spine. A herniated disk may occur in a fall or accident, or may occur gradually with repetitive straining of the lumbar region.
If the injury is in the lumbar region, the patient may have weakness in extending the big toe, and numbness and/or pain on top of the foot. If the injury is in the sacral region, the patient will have weakness when attempting to stand on his or her toes, and numbness and/or pain on the outside or sole of the foot.
Sciatica
Inflammation of the sciatic nerve is most often caused by a herniated disk. This compresses the nerves, causing pain, weakness and numbness. Common symptoms include shooting pains from the buttocks down the leg or a burning sensation in the thigh.
Fracture of the Lumbar Spine (Broken Back)
This is usually caused by high-energy trauma like a car accident, gunshot wound or fall. The vertebrae in the thoracic region of the spinal cord can also be fractured. The spinal cord may be injured, depending on the severity of the fracture. Damage to the spinal nerves may cause paralysis. When the lumbar or thoracic region is fractured, surgery or bracing is necessary.
Contact a Baton Rouge Back Injury Lawyer · Free Initial Consultations
Call 225-928-8800 in Louisiana, 800-734-6545 toll-free, or contact Murphy Law Firm online to schedule your free initial consultation with an attorney from our firm.
