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Neck injuries can be serious and debilitating. The C5/C6 region of the spine is at particular risk after certain types of accidents.
If you have been in a car or workplace accident, it is important to understand and recognize C5/C6 disc herniation symptoms.
In this article, the Texas personal injury lawyers at Zimmerman Law Firm will cover details about cervical herniated disc injuries. If you have questions, please contact us online today or call (254) 752-9688.
Key Takeaways
What To Know About Cervical Herniated Disc Injuries After A Car Accident
Cervical herniated disc injuries are common after car accidents, especially in the C5/C6 region at the base of the neck. Here is what matters most if you are dealing with one.
- A cervical disc herniation happens when the disc’s outer layer tears and its gel-like center leaks out, which can inflame nearby nerves or the spinal cord.
- Car accidents, along with truck and motorcycle accidents and other sudden impacts, are common causes of cervical disc herniation, especially at the C5/C6 level.
- Symptoms can range from neck pain and stiffness to numbness, weakness, or radiating pain in the shoulders and arms, and more severe cases can affect balance and fine motor skills.
- Treatment can include rest, medication, injections, and physical therapy, with surgery reserved as a last resort for more severe herniations.
What Is the Cervical Spine?
Your spine consists of a series of interlocking bones called vertebrae. The vertebrae within your neck are called the cervical spine and are numbered C1 through C7.
In between each vertebra are structures called discs. These discs consist of a fibrous outer layer (annulus) and a spongy gel-like material (nucleus).
Discs are responsible for cushioning the vertebrae from impacts and shock. Without discs, the vertebra would smash into each other, compromising the spine and the spinal cord.
You Don’t Have To Figure This Out On Your Own
A neck injury can turn your whole routine upside down, and the medical bills and unanswered questions only add to the stress. We’re here to help you understand your options and get the support you need while you focus on healing.
Schedule A Free ConsultationHow Does a Cervical Disc Become Herniated?
Cervical disc herniation occurs when the outer layer of the disc tears and the gel-like substance within the disc begins to leak out.
When this happens, the leaking nucleus may cause inflammation to nearby nerves or to the spinal cord itself. Cervical disc herniations are often referred to as “slipped” or “ruptured” discs.
Although age can cause discs to wear down and rupture, discs may also become herniated due to reasons such as:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents,
- Motorcycle accidents;
- Impacts to the neck or back;
- Falls;
- Strenuous physical activity; and
- Workplace injuries.
One of the most common areas for cervical disc herniation is the C5/C6 region. This area is found at the base of the neck, and it can be susceptible to damage from car accidents and other sudden trauma.
What Are the Symptoms of a C5/C6 Disc Herniation?
C5/C6 disc herniation symptoms can vary from relatively mild to debilitating. While tenderness and pain near the base of the neck are common, there are other signs which may indicate cervical disc herniation.
Some of the other symptoms associated with C5/C6 disc herniation include:
- Pain radiating to the shoulders or arms;
- Numbness in the hands, arms, or shoulders; and
- Weakness in the arms or hands.
More severe cervical disc herniations can cause damage or inflammation of nearby nerves or even the spinal cord.
In more severe cases, C5/C6 disc herniation symptoms may include:
- Loss of fine-motor skills,
- Difficulty balancing or walking, and
- A shock-like or electrical sensation.
C5/C6 disc herniation symptoms can vary in intensity depending on your activity level. Certain activities such as playing sports or engaging in physical labor can make symptoms worse or cause further damage to the disc.
If Someone Else Caused Your Injury, You Shouldn’t Carry The Cost Alone
Between doctor visits, missed work, and the toll an injury takes on your daily life, dealing with a neck injury after someone else’s mistake can feel unfair and exhausting. Let us handle the legal side so you can put your energy into getting better.
Schedule A Free ConsultationHow Are Cervical Disc Herniations Treated?
When a patient comes to a physician with the above symptoms, the physician will often want to examine the neck and order imaging studies. The imaging studies may include X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI.
If you suffer a herniated disc in the neck, treatment may include:
- Rest,
- Over-the-counter or prescription pain medication,
- Steroid or nerve-block injections, and
- Physical therapy.
More severe cervical disc herniations, such as those which threaten the spinal cord, may require surgery.
This is often the last resort for physicians, as cervical surgery could lead to further pain and mobility issues for the patient.
Do You Think You Injured Your Cervical Disc in an Accident? Contact Our Injury Lawyers Today
Cervical disc injuries can lead to lifelong pain and mobility issues. If you believe you may have symptoms of C5/C6 disc herniation or another injury relating to an accident, we at The Zimmerman Law Firm want to help.
With over 85 years of experience, our attorneys understand the uncertainty that comes with accident-related injuries.
Using our deep experience and knowledge, we can guide you through the often complicated process of pursuing a personal injury claim.
Contact us online or call (254) 752-9688 for your free case consultation today!
FAQ
Common Questions About Neck Injuries After A Crash
Here are answers to a few questions people often ask after a car accident leaves them with neck pain or a suspected cervical disc injury.
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Yes, car accidents are a common cause of cervical disc herniation, especially in the C5/C6 region at the base of the neck. The sudden impact and forceful motion of a collision can tear the disc’s outer layer, allowing the gel-like center to leak out and irritate nearby nerves or the spinal cord.
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Symptoms often start with tenderness or pain at the base of the neck and can progress to pain radiating into the shoulders or arms, numbness, or weakness in the hands. More severe cases may involve a shock-like sensation or trouble with balance and fine motor skills.
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No, most cervical disc herniations are treated first with rest, pain medication, steroid or nerve-block injections, and physical therapy. Surgery is typically considered a last resort, reserved for more severe herniations that threaten the spinal cord or do not improve with conservative treatment.
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The C5/C6 disc sits at the base of the neck, an area that absorbs significant force during sudden trauma like a car accident. Because this region bears so much stress during rapid movement or impact, it is one of the most common sites for cervical disc herniation compared to other levels of the spine.
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Doctors typically start with a physical exam of the neck, followed by imaging studies such as X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI to confirm a herniated disc and see how severely it is affecting nearby nerves or the spinal cord. Getting an accurate diagnosis early helps guide the right treatment plan.
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Michael Zimmerman
Michael was born in Houston, Texas. His education at Baylor and Texas State Universities earned him a Bachelor of Science degree in 1987. His major was in Biology with a Minor in Chemistry. He finished his legal education at Texas Southern University in 1990, earning a Juris Doctorate from Thurgood Marshall School of Law. He was admitted to the State Bar of Texas in 1990.
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