Herniated discs from car accidents happen when the force of crash causes one of the bones of the spine to push into your spinal cord. This displaced disc puts pressure on the spinal cord. The spinal cord carries messages from the brain to the different parts of your body, and can become inflamed and painful from the pressure.
A Philadelphia personal injury lawyer can help you receive compensation for your herniated disc by investigating the accident, calculating damages, negotiating with insurance companies, representing you in court, and providing legal advice and support.
What is a Herniated Disc?
The spinal column is made up of three components. The spinal cord is a long nerve, which transmits signals from the brain to the rest of the body. Vertebrae are ring-shaped bones which serve to encase and protect the spinal cord. Between vertebrae are discs, made of cartilage similar to that in your ears or the tip of your nose. These discs both cushion the vertebrae and the spinal cord against shocks, and provide the flexibility to allow the spine to bend and flex.
Any shock to the spinal column can create a herniated disc although they occur mainly in the lower back. A herniated disc can result in pain, weakness, and numbness in the limbs. Some people suffer symptoms immediately, while others develop their complaints over time. In addition, a herniated disc can cause a tear in the outer layer of the disc and may be more painful. If not treated appropriately, it may cause spinal damage and permanent injury.
What Kind of Injury Is a Herniated Disc at C4/C5 or C5/C6?
The neck, also known as the cervical spine, has seven vertebrae numbered from C1 to C7. All these vertebrae support your head on your shoulders and also help in supporting blood flow from and to the brain.
A neck injury at the C4/C5 or C5/C6 vertebrae can be one of the most painful. If herniated disc occurs at either of these locations, the outcome may be long-term impairment. A neck injury may cause difficulty for an individual in work or daily activities.
What Accidents Can Cause Herniated Disc, C4/C5, and C5/C6 Injuries?
Many accidents can cause herniated discs and injuries at C4/C5 or C5/C6. However, some of the most common are:
- Car accidents;
- Pedestrian accidents;
- Commercial truck collisions;
- Motorcycle accidents.
What Are the Symptoms of Herniated Disc, C4/C5, and C5/C6 Injuries?
The symptoms of herniated discs in the C4/C5 or C5/C6 regions of the spine can vary depending on the severity and location of the injury. Some common symptoms associated with these types of injuries are:
- Neck Pain: Pain in the neck is a common symptom of a herniated disc in the C4/C5 or C5/C6 region. The pain may be sharp or dull and may be accompanied by stiffness and limited mobility.
- Arm Pain: Herniated discs in the C4/C5 or C5/C6 region can cause pain in the arms in severe accident cases. The pain may be described as shooting or burning and may be accompanied by numbness or tingling sensations.
- Weakness: In some cases, a herniated disc in the C4/C5 or C5/C6 region can cause weakness in the arms or shoulders. It can become difficult to perform everyday tasks, such as carrying groceries or lifting objects.
- Numbness and Tingling: Numbness and tingling sensations in the arms, hands, or fingers are common symptoms of a herniated disc in the C4/C5 or C5/C6 region.
- Headaches: In some cases, a herniated disc in the C4/C5 or C5/C6 region can cause headaches, particularly at the base of the skull.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately. A doctor can diagnose a herniated disc and recommend a course of treatment to help manage your symptoms and promote healing.
Can you get a herniated disc settlement from a car accident?
Yes, you can file an injury claim after a herniated disc from a car accident and pursue compensation. You may be able to seek compensation for medical bills, long-term medical care, lost wages, pain and suffering, and lost earning capacity.
If you have a pre-existing medical condition before your accident, you can still seek help from an experienced car accident lawyer. The amount of compensation may vary based on the duration of recovery, the severity of the injury, reduced quality of life, and insurance policy limits.
Need Legal Help? Contact our personal injury law firm
If you have any questions about your pre-existing condition or suffer from a herniated disc after a car accident, you can consult a law firm. Schedule a free case consultation, fill out our contact form, or call us at 215-673-7733.