Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers | May 15, 2026 | Personal Injury
Suffering a neck injury in a car accident, slip and fall, or other traumatic event can mean potentially facing pain, stiffness, and even motor function issues. A common type of injury that impacts the neck, or cervical area, is a herniated disc.
Learn about cervical herniated disc injuries and whether you can pursue a claim if you suffered one.
What Is the Cervical Spine?
Your spine is made up of bones called vertebrae, which are stacked to form your spinal canal. The cervical spine is the neck area of this canal, with vertebrae numbered from C1 to C7. These bones support your head and give you the flexibility you need to move it in different directions.
To prevent the vertebrae from rubbing together, there are discs that function like cushions between them. These intervertebral discs are made up of the nucleus pulposus, which is the inner part of the disc and is made up of a gel-like substance. The annulus fibrosus is the outer part of the disc, which protects the gel-like center.
Together, these two parts help absorb shocks caused by neck and head movement. In an accident or as a result of any other type of traumatic injury, it’s possible for these discs to herniate.
What Are Herniated Cervical Disc Injuries?
A herniated disc occurs when some of the nucleus of these discs pushes through the tough outer layer. This can put pressure on nerves and other spinal structures, causing pain and potentially impacting your movement.
Herniated discs in the cervical area can lead to symptoms such as:
- Neck pain
- Muscle weakness in arms, hands, and shoulders
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Headaches
The symptoms typically get worse with movement. Turning your head, looking down, or bending your neck could all cause serious discomfort.
What Causes Most Cervical Herniated Disc Injuries?
Cervical herniated disc injuries can happen suddenly in a traumatic accident or develop over time because of repeated strain on the neck. In many cases, these injuries occur when excessive force places pressure on the cervical spine, causing one of the discs to tear or rupture.
Some of the most common causes of cervical herniated disc injuries include:
- Car accidents, especially rear-end collisions that cause whiplash
- Slip and fall accidents
- Workplace accidents involving heavy lifting or repetitive motion
- Sports and recreational injuries
- Physical assaults or other violent incidents
- Sudden twisting or jerking movements of the neck
Age-related degeneration can also make the cervical discs more vulnerable to injury. As people get older, spinal discs naturally lose flexibility and moisture, making them more likely to herniate after even a relatively minor accident.
Treating Herniated Cervical Disc Injuries
The severity of the herniation will dictate the treatment you will need to receive. Some people may require anti-inflammatories and pain medications, along with muscle relaxers, to get relief. If the pain doesn’t improve with oral medications, cortisone injections could provide relief.
In more serious cases, you may need to undergo physical therapy. Professionals can help you with exercises that can address the pain you’re experiencing.
Surgery is reserved for only the most severe cases. The procedure will typically involve removing the protruding portion of the disc.
Personal Injury Claims After Cervical Herniated Disc Injuries
After suffering a herniated cervical disc in an accident, you may be able to begin a personal injury claim to obtain compensation. These claims require demonstrating that another party’s negligence resulted in your injury.
You can obtain compensation to address your medical expenses, including ongoing physical therapy needs, as well as any wages you may have missed out on as you received care. If the injury was severe and you can’t return to work in the same capacity as before, you may be able to receive compensation for your lost earning potential.
You can also receive non-economic damages that address pain and suffering, as well as your loss of enjoyment of life.
Contact Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers To Schedule a Free Consultation With a Stuart Personal Injury Attorney
If you have suffered an injury because of another party’s misconduct in Florida, consider pursuing a claim. A personal injury claim can help you address your medical expenses, lost wages, and suffering. To have the best chance to win your case, you need assistance from an attorney. With a team beside you, it’s possible to successfully fight for your rights.
For more information, please contact the Stuart, Port St. Lucie, or Palm Beach Gardens personal injury law firm of Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
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