Anderson Injury Lawyers | October 2, 2023 | Personal Injury

Herniated discs are one of the most common types of car accident injuries. Unfortunately, they can lead to some severe health problems, including chronic pain, reduced mobility, and the need for surgical intervention. 

If you’ve sustained a back injury in an accident, you need to know the possible long-term consequences of a herniated disc. You can protect yourself by hiring a personal injury lawyer to fight for the compensation you deserve. 

What Is a Herniated Disc?

Most people don’t have detailed knowledge of how the spinal column works. Your spine is made up of 33 rounded bones called vertebrae. These bones are stacked in a column and cushioned by spinal discs. These discs make the spine’s range of motion possible.

When a spinal disc is injured, the bones in your spine lose the cushioning that separates them. A spinal disc injury is considered to be a herniated disc when the center of the disc slips out through a crack in its exterior. 

As a result, the bones may rub together, which can lead to further injury to the spinal bones. Herniated discs might begin as a dull pain. However, over time, they can lead to severe chronic pain, significantly reduce mobility, and require surgery to help alleviate the pain and prevent further damage to the spine. 

Understanding Vertebrae C4/C5 and C5/C6

Medical doctors label the bones of the spine using a system of letters and numbers. This makes it easy to quickly identify and refer to the different vertebrae. C4/C5 and C5/C6 are simply how doctors refer to some of the vertebrae located in the neck. 

When a person experiences a herniated disc at these locations, it can be particularly painful. It might also have a more severe impact on your quality of life. A neck injury can make performing even basic daily tasks difficult or impossible. 

For example, a herniated disc at C4/C5 or C5/C6 can make it impossible to turn your head safely while driving. When the injury is severe enough, a neck injury can prevent you from driving, holding a job, or caring for your children.  

What Types of Car Accidents Cause Herniated Discs?

Any type of car accident has the potential to lead to a spinal cord injury like a herniated disc. However, certain types of crashes often result in a higher risk of experiencing this form of injury. 

Rear-end accidents may be the form of accident most often associated with a herniated disc. 

Additionally, you’re at risk of experiencing a herniated disc if you’ve been involved in a: 

If you don’t take the time to be checked by a doctor after a crash, you might not even realize you’ve suffered a serious spinal injury until it’s too late to recover the compensation you deserve. A herniated disc can lead to costly medical expenses and impact your ability to work long after the accident occurs. 

Don’t make the mistake of dismissing neck pain after a car accident as minor soreness that will fade with time. Neck soreness is often a telling sign that you’ve suffered a serious injury. 

It’s important to consult a doctor and a personal injury attorney after a crash in Dallas. Taking the time to identify your injuries and learn about your compensation options is the best way to ensure you don’t get stuck footing the bill for injuries caused by someone else.

Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in Texas

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Fort Worth or Dallas and need legal help, contact our personal injury lawyers at Anderson Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation. We proudly serve Tarrant County, Dallas County, and throughout Texas.

Anderson Injury Lawyers – Fort Worth Office
1310 W El Paso St, Fort Worth, TX 76102
(817) 294-1900

Anderson Injury Lawyers – Fort Worth Office (Secondary)
6618 Fossil Bluff Dr # 108, Fort Worth, TX 76137
(817) 631-4113

Anderson Injury Lawyers – Dallas Office
408 W Eighth St Suite 202, Dallas, TX 75208
(214) 327-8000

Anderson Injury Lawyers – Dallas Office (Secondary)
6301 Gaston Ave suite 610, Dallas, TX 75214
(469) 457-4711