May 21, 2024 | Personal Injury
Approximately two percent of individuals in the United States develop a herniated disc every year. Although discs can degenerate and bulge as individuals age, trauma is also a common cause of herniated discs, especially in the cervical spine. Car accidents, slips and falls, and sports injuries are a few of the common situations that can lead to this debilitating injury.
The Anatomy of the Spine
The spinal cord is the bundle of nerves that extends from your brain throughout your body. This “information superhighway” is essential to life, as it allows your brain to control your body’s organs and muscles while also receiving sensory information from the rest of your body. Because of its susceptibility to damage, your spine encases and protects your spinal cord.
Your spine itself is comprised of 33 vertebrae divided into five regions. The coccygeal region is at the base of your spine and is sometimes called your tailbone. The next regions are the sacral, lumbar, and thoracic. Your cervical region is the top region of your spine, extending from the base of your skull to your upper back. It is comprised of seven vertebrae.
Intervertebral discs separate and cushion the various vertebrae, giving your spine flexibility and allowing it to absorb some injury. Specifically, discs separate your fourth and fifth vertebrae in your cervical region and your fifth and sixth vertebrae. These locations are commonly abbreviated as C4/C5 and C5/C6.
However, traumatic events like car accidents and other personal injury incidents can cause these discs to slip out of place.
Herniated Cervical Discs At C4/C5 and C5/C6
A herniated disc is a disc in your spine that has slipped out of place and no longer cushions the vertebrae as it is supposed to. When this back injury happens between the C4 and C5 vertebrae, you will likely experience symptoms such as weakness and pain in your shoulder and shoulder muscles.
If the disc separating your C5 and C6 vertebrae herniates, your symptoms will likely include pain and weakness in your biceps. These symptoms, or a “pins and needles” tingling sensation, can radiate down your arm even further. Some cases of a C5/C6 disc bulge can even be felt in your thumbs and fingers.
Treatment and Recovery For Herniated Discs
The sooner you see a doctor after your accident, the sooner treatment can start. A herniated disc will not show on a traditional X-ray. Your doctor will need to perform an MRI or other imaging to determine whether you suffered a herniated disc in your accident. Treatment can range from medications and physical therapy in mild cases to surgery in severe cases.
The costs associated with your medical treatment, time missed from work, and pain and suffering may also be compensable. If someone’s careless acts led to the car wreck, slip and fall, or other incident that injured your discs, that person is legally responsible for paying these and other associated costs.
An experienced South Carolina personal injury lawyer can analyze your situation and determine what compensation you could receive in your case.
Your Spine Is Resilient But Not Indestructible
The discs in your cervical region and throughout your spine play an important role in protecting your spinal cord and helping you live a pain-free and mobile life. The discs found at the C4/C5 and C5/C6 vertebrae can be damaged and bulge due to trauma. If this happens and you experience symptoms as a result of the accident, physical and legal recovery is available.
Contact a South Carolina Personal Injury Lawyer at Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers Today
For more information, contact the personal injury law firm of Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation.
Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers – Columbia
1333 Main St #510,
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 373-1706
Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers – Lexington
5465 Sunset Blvd Suite B,
Lexington, SC 29072
(803) 373-1302
Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers – Orangeburg
161 Elliott St SE Suite B,
Orangeburg, SC 29115
(803) 373-7593
Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers – Blythewood
749-2 University Village Dr,
Blythewood, SC 29016
(803) 592-6553
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380 Columbiana Dr
Columbia, SC 29212