More than three million people suffer the pain of a herniated disc every year in the United States, and many of those injuries are in the cervical spine.
The majority of disc injuries happen in the lower or lumbar spine or the neck (cervical spine). A variety of factors can cause herniated discs. Roadway accidents, such as a jackknifed semi, can create the type of force needed to cause a catastrophic injury to the spine.
Herniated disc injuries aren’t disabling for most people, fortunately, but they can cause mild to severe pain and interfere with day-to-day living. In some cases, surgery may be required to repair the damaged disc.
What Is a Cervical Herniated Disc?
The human spine is made up of 24 vertebrae, not counting the sacrum and coccyx. Between each bony vertebra is a disc that’s shaped somewhat like a doughnut and filled with a jelly-like substance.
Vertebral discs work like shock absorbers to protect the vertebrae and increase the mobility of the spine. If one of them becomes injured in a slip and fall or jackknife accident, it can essentially burst, allowing the jelly-like material inside to spill out.
A herniated disc, also known as a bulging, slipped, or ruptured disc, can put pressure on the sensitive spinal nerves and cause pain.
The symptoms of a herniated cervical disc include:
- Neck pain, especially on the sides and back of the neck
- Pain between or near the shoulder blades
- Pain or numbness/tingling that travels down the shoulders and into the arms, hands, or fingers
Herniated discs can arise due to workplace injuries, traumatic falls, or repetitive movements that cause wear and tear. Truck accident victims may be at risk of a disc injury if they jackknife a truck, especially at high speeds.
Diagnosing a Cervical Herniated Disc
Getting a proper diagnosis starts with seeing a qualified doctor. Even if you’ve experienced herniated disc pain before, a physical exam is still recommended, as sciatica and other spinal alignment problems can mimic the symptoms of a bulging disc.
Your healthcare provider will perform one or more of the following diagnostic tests to confirm a disc injury:
- X-ray imaging
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
- Myelogram
- Electromyogram
- Computed tomography (CT)
- Nerve conduction study
The test results, along with information gathered from a detailed medical history and other assessments, will help your doctor develop a treatment plan that meets your specific needs.
Cervical Disc Treatment
Whether you injured your disc in a jackknifed semi truck accident or from lifting a heavy object, the pain of a herniated disc typically goes away without aggressive treatment. Rest, over-the-counter pain relievers, and alternating application of ice and heat on the affected area are standard treatments.
However, severe cases can make it difficult to walk, sit for extended periods, or perform everyday tasks like driving. Your healthcare provider may prescribe medications like muscle relaxants or physical therapy to help relieve pressure on spinal nerves. Steroid injections might also be recommended to ease severe pain.
Non-surgical methods provide pain relief for most people, but when they don’t, a doctor may recommend surgery. Numerous surgical techniques can reduce pressure on the spinal cord. A minimally invasive spine surgery called a microdiscectomy is a common surgical option.
Living With a Cervical Herniated Disc
A herniated disc can cause mild to severe pain and can make it difficult for sufferers to work or perform daily responsibilities. In most cases, an injured disc is a temporary inconvenience that doesn’t require major medical assistance. However, the pain of a bulging disc can sometimes be debilitating and lead to other complications.
Contact our Personal Injury Lawyers at McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers for Legal Help With Your Case
If you’ve been injured, contact your nearest McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers location to schedule a free consultation today.
We serve in Austin, TX and Salt Lake City, UT.
McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers – Austin, TX Office
502 W 14th St, Austin, TX 78701
(512) 474-0222
McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers – Salt Lake City, UT Office
650 S 500, Suite 290, Salt Lake City, UT 84104
