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

Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers | Personal Injury

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

The spinal cord comprises a complex network of nerves, tissues, and bones that run along the neck and back. As such, severe injuries can occur whenever the spinal cord experiences trauma or overextension.

Herniated discs, especially those between the C4/C5 and C5/C6 vertebrae, can be caused by various personal injury accidents, ranging from car crashes to slip and falls and everything in between. 

Understanding the types of accidents that can lead to herniated discs is crucial in preventing these injuries. If you were hurt by a negligent party and suffered a herniated disc, you can hold them accountable through a Florida personal injury claim.

Herniated Discs Explained

The cervical spine is made up of seven vertebrae, each separated by “intervertebral discs” that work to absorb and reduce shocks and impacts. These soft discs comprise specialized soft tissues; even a minor injury can cause swelling and prevent them from working as intended.

A herniated disc occurs when the disc’s inner core pushes through the outer layer, resulting in painful pressure on sensitive nerves along the spinal column.

While the symptoms of a herniated disc can vary, whenever an injury occurs to the C4/C5 or C5/C6 vertebrae, some common symptoms include:

  • Neck pain and stiffness 
  • Numbness
  • Tingling and weakness
  • Mobility problems 

In the most severe cases, a herniated disc can lead to spinal cord compression, resulting in paralysis and neurological complications.

What Causes Herniated Discs?

Although many herniated discs and spinal conditions are caused by natural wear and tear or degeneration, most are caused by preventable physical injuries. 

According to figures published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, car crashes and falls were the two most common causes of spinal cord injuries (SCI). These two categories comprise 56.8% of SCI conditions and complications.

Car accidents, particularly rear-end collisions, commonly cause herniated discs. The sudden impact of a rear-end collision can cause the head and neck to jerk forward and backward, putting significant pressure on the cervical spine. In some cases, the force of the impact can cause a disc to herniate.

Slip and fall accidents are common culprits of herniated discs, especially in the neck region’s C4/C5 and C5/C6 vertebrae. Even a seemingly minor impact on these fragile regions can cause a disc to herniate.

Sports injuries can also lead to herniated discs, particularly in contact sports like football, martial arts, and hockey. Sudden impacts or collisions can cause the cervical spine to bend and twist in unnatural ways, resulting in injury.

C4/C5 and C5/C6 Injury Treatment

Treatment for a herniated disc can vary depending on age, severity, location, and type of injury. 

However, in most cases, medical experts may recommend the following:

  • Rest and immobility
  • Physical therapy
  • Pain medication
  • Holistic treatments
  • Surgical procedures

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons reports that approximately one in every 50 people will experience a herniated disc injury throughout their lifetime.

What’s Next? Preventing Herniated Discs

While not all personal injury accidents will result in a herniated disc, taking the necessary steps to prevent these serious spinal cord injuries whenever possible is essential. 

Preventive steps include wearing seatbelts while driving, using appropriate safety equipment while practicing sports, and complying with occupational safety procedures in the workplace. 

Herniated discs can occur due to another party’s negligence. When this happens, you can hold them accountable under Florida laws. If you suffered a herniated disc recently, schedule a consultation with a personal injury attorney to learn more.

Contact the Pinellas County Personal Injury Law Firm Of Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers for Help

For more information, please contact the Clearwater and St. Petersburg personal injury law firm of Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.

We serve Pinellas County and its surrounding areas:

Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers – Clearwater
1875 N Belcher Rd. STE 201,
Clearwater, FL 33765
(727) 796-8282

Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers – St. Petersburg
2560 1st Ave S,
St. Petersburg, FL 33712
(727) 349-1728