A herniated disc forms when the soft center of a spinal disc slips through its tougher outer layer. If this happens in your neck at the C4/C5 or C5/C6 level, it may pinch a nerve. That pressure causes pain, numbness, or weakness in your neck, shoulders, or arms.
You might not feel anything right away. Hours or even days may pass before symptoms appear. If you feel stiffness, tingling, or pain in your upper body after an accident, see a doctor. Early testing helps doctors catch the problem before it gets worse.
Signs That Point to a Herniated Disc
Neck pain often starts slowly. You might feel tight or sore at first. Then the pain may shoot down your arm. You might notice tingling in your fingers. Weakness can make it harder to hold objects or lift your arm.
If the disc presses on a nerve, you may lose range of motion in your neck. Turning or tilting your head may become painful. Symptoms like these often point to a herniated disc. A doctor may use an MRI to confirm the injury and start treatment right away.
How Car Accidents Can Affect the Neck
Car crashes can jolt the head and neck forward and back in a split second. That motion may tear tissue, shift vertebrae, or cause a disc to bulge or herniate. These injuries often stem from rear-end collisions but may occur in any crash.
Even low-speed accidents can cause real harm. After a crash, monitor how your neck feels over the next few days. If symptoms arise, see a doctor. You may need treatment and time off work.
Why Falls Often Lead to Disc Damage
Falls put sudden force on your spine. If you slip, trip, or fall from a height, that impact may injure the discs in your neck. A simple fall can cause the disc to press against a nerve, causing pain or numbness.
Older adults face a greater risk due to lower bone density and balance issues. After any serious fall, check for pain in the neck, tingling in the arms, or loss of motion. A doctor can check for disc injuries using scans and a physical exam.
What a Doctor May Find After the Impact
Doctors start with a physical exam to check reflexes, strength, and nerve function. Then they may order an X-ray or an MRI. These images show whether a disc has herniated and where it presses on nerves.
Based on the results, you may need rest, physical therapy, or medication. Some people need surgery to relieve nerve pressure. Your doctor will explain all treatment options based on your pain level and how much the disc affects your movement.
How a Lawyer Can Help With a Neck Injury
Neck injuries often lead to missed work, medical bills, and pain. If someone caused your injury in a crash or fall, a lawyer can help. They can gather evidence, review medical reports, and speak with experts.
Personal injury lawyers handle claims tied to negligence. If a careless driver or property owner caused your injury, you may have the right to seek compensation. That money may help cover treatment, lost wages, and long-term care.
Contact the Personal Injury Law Firm of Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers in Savannah for Help Today
For more information, please contact our experienced Savannah personal injury lawyer at Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have a convenient location in Savannah, GA.
We proudly serve Chatham County, Georgia, and its surrounding areas.
Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers
308 Commercial Drive, Suite 100, Savannah, GA 31406
(912) 335-1909
Open 24/7
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