Many Accidents Can Cause Herniated Discs at C4/C5 or C5/C6 — Here’s What You Need to Know

Gregg Hollander | April 15, 2023 | Personal Injury

Many Accidents Can Cause Herniated Discs at C4/C5 or C5/C6 — Here’s What You Need to Know

Accidents can produce countless kinds of injuries, including injuries along the spinal cord, and more specifically, the spinal discs. Herniated discs in the cervical spine are some of the most common types of disc injuries. They cause significant pain and discomfort. 

What Are Spinal Discs?

The spine is a complex structure and one of the most critical parts of the human body. It runs from the base of the skull to the tailbone. It consists of bones, muscles, and other tissues. 

Along the spine, the average adult has 24 vertebrae. The vertebrae are small bones that make up the entirety of the spine. In between these bones, you’ll find spinal, or intervertebral, discs. 

Spinal discs have a jelly-like center known as the nucleus pulposus. This is surrounded by a flexible ring called the annulus. These discs act as “shock absorbers” for the spine.

What Happens When a Spinal Disc Becomes Herniated?

Because spinal discs are under constant pressure, they are prone to injury under certain circumstances. One of the most common types of disc injuries is herniation.

A herniated disc, also called a ruptured disc, occurs when the center, gel-like material inside the disc pushes out through a tear in the outer ring. 

When this happens, several symptoms may arise, including:

  • Numbness or tingling
  • Weakness
  • Pain

A herniation can occur in any spinal disc, and symptoms vary depending on the location of the herniated disc. 

Discs are identified using numbers. When a medical professional diagnoses your condition, they’ll indicate which disc(s) have suffered an injury. 

Herniations of the C4/C5 Discs

The C4/C5 discs are located in the middle of the neck. These vertebrae can seriously affect the motion of the neck. Common symptoms associated with herniated discs in the C4/C5 include weakness and pain along the shoulders. 

Herniations of the C5/C6 Discs

C5 and C6 discs are also located in the neck region; however, even with their close proximity to C4/C5, herniation of these discs can cause different symptoms.

Symptoms often associated with C5/C6 herniated discs include numbness and tingling all along the arms, wrists, thumbs, and fingertips. Weakness is also common in these areas. 

Common Causes of Disc Herniations

Herniated discs can arise for a variety of reasons. 

Several types of stressful and traumatic accidents can result in herniated discs, including:

If you experience an accident and another party’s negligent or intentional actions cause you injury, you may have a viable personal injury claim. Taking action can help you recover compensation for the injuries and losses associated with your accident. 

Treating C4/C5 and C5/C6 Herniated Discs

In many cases, herniated discs do not completely heal. Therefore, treatment is necessary to help lessen the symptoms associated with the injury. 

Depending on the severity of your herniated discs, treatment could include:

  • Rest
  • Wearing a cervical collar (neck brace) for some time to immobilize the neck
  • Medication
  • Physical therapy and rehabilitation

In the most severe cases, herniated discs may require surgery. Your physician can discuss treatment options to help you recover as much as possible. 

Discuss Your Spinal Disc Injuries With a Knowledgeable Personal Injury Lawyer

If you suffer from herniated discs after experiencing an accident caused by another’s negligent or intentional actions, consult a personal injury attorney. A skilled lawyer can provide guidance and advice and determine how best to proceed to pursue justice and compensation. 

Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in South Florida

If you’ve been injured in an accident, please contact our experienced personal injury lawyers in Florida at Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today. We have three convenient locations in Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach.

We proudly serve Palm Beach County, Broward County, and its surrounding areas:

Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers – Boca Raton Law Office
7000 W Palmetto Park Rd #500
Boca Raton, FL 33433
(561) 347-7770

Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers – Fort Lauderdale Law Office
200 S.E. 6th Street #203
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
(954) 287-0566

Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers – West Palm Beach Law Office
319 Clematis St #203
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
(561) 556-7873