Hawk Law Group | May 30, 2024 | Personal Injury
Disc herniations can be catastrophic injuries that cause lasting pain, mobility issues, and lifelong discomfort. Not helping matters is that multiple types of accidents can cause these injuries to occur to your discs.
While all types of herniations are cause for concern, herniations at the C4/C5 and C5/C6 joints are particularly challenging and painful, as they are located in the cervical spine (neck). Here’s everything you need to know.
What Is a Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc is an issue with the discs between the vertebrae of your spine.
The vertebrae are the bones, and the discs are like rubbery cushions. Each disc has a hard outer ring and a jelly-like core. During a herniation, the jelly protrudes through the outer ring, causing pain and discomfort. Typically, people experience herniations in their lower back. These types of injuries can be linked to heavy lifting or overuse.
However, you can suffer a herniation in any vertebrae, including those in your neck. C4, C5, and C6 are three of the seven cervical vertebrae located in the lower half of your neck. They each play an important role in helping bend your neck and turn your head.
Signs and Symptoms
Disc herniations and their associated symptoms can vary based on which discs are affected and the severity of the injury. Since C4, C5, and C6 are located in the neck, injuries to them are more likely to affect your upper body and arms.
Generally, people will feel the most severe pain in their arm or shoulder. Your pain may radiate or shoot into the area when you move suddenly, sneeze, or otherwise aggravate the injury. You may also feel numbness, tingling, or weakness in the muscles affected by the herniated disc.
Types of Accidents That Can Cause Herniated Cervical Discs
Whereas herniated discs in the lower back can occur through daily use injuries, injuries to the C4/C5 and C5/C6 vertebrates are more often attributed to a specific accident or event. Some particular incidents that may cause herniations to discs in the cervical spine include the following:
Car Crashes
During a car crash, your head, back and neck can be sent forward, backward, or sideways with a violent jolt. A rear-end collision can be particularly harmful to your neck, back and head, especially if you are at a dead stop when the other vehicle hits your car.
Depending on the circumstances surrounding your crash, your symptoms may emerge immediately or get worse in the days following the incident.
Slip And Falls
A slip-and-fall accident can also cause herniations in your neck, especially if your head snaps backward or your vertebrae strike a hard object, such as the edge of the stairs. If you hit your neck or head during a fall, it’s important to get medical attention right away.
Construction Accidents
Construction sites can be incredibly dangerous places. You can be exposed to all sorts of risks that can easily cause injuries like herniated discs.
Motorcycle Accidents
Getting hit while riding your motorcycle can be particularly catastrophic, as you can be forcibly ejected from the vehicle. The resulting impact may cause lasting damage to your C4/C5 or C5/C6 discs. Therefore, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately and thoroughly document any injuries you sustain in a motorcycling accident.
Experiencing Accident-Related Neck Pain? Contact the Personal Injury Lawyers at Hawk Law Group
If you’ve been in an accident and now suffer neck pain, you might have herniated discs at the C4/C5 or C5/C6 vertebrae. Seek legal counsel and let an experienced attorney determine whether you are entitled to compensation for your damages. A personal injury lawyer can handle your claim from start to finish while you focus on your health.
For more information, please contact us at Hawk Law Group at our nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
We serve throughout the Central Savannah River Area and its surrounding areas:
Hawk Law Group – Evans, GA
4384 River Watch Pkwy, Evans, GA 30809, United States
(706) 863 6500
Hawk Law Group – Augusta, GA
338 Telfair St, Augusta, GA 30901, United States
(706) 722 3500
Hawk Law Group – Thomson, GA
146 Railroad St A, Thomson, GA 30824, United States
(706) 361 0350
Hawk Law Group – Waynesboro, GA
827 Liberty St, Waynesboro, GA 30830, United States
(706) 437 9122
Hawk Law Group – Aiken County, SC
156 Laurens St NW, Aiken, SC 29801, United States
(803) 226 9089
We also serve in Edgefield County, SC.