Some of the most catastrophic injuries you can experience in an accident are those that impact your spine. There are numerous types of wounds you can sustain, from spinal cord injuries to fractures, but one that is relatively common is a cervical herniated disc. Learn more about these wounds and whether you can file a personal injury claim if you suffered one.
Anatomy of the Spine: Understanding the Cervical Area
The cervical spine is the region of your spine that involves the neck area. It’s made up of seven bones called vertebrae, which help to protect the spinal cord and support your head. To prevent them from rubbing together and to grant you as much flexibility as possible, you have intervertebral discs that function as cushions and shock absorbers.
These discs are filled with a gel-like substance. If any of these discs suffers trauma, this substance can bulge outward, pressing into nerves and other structures in the area. This is called a herniated disc.
Cervical Herniated Disc Injuries and Their Symptoms
Herniated discs in the neck area can cause significant pain that radiates to the arm and shoulder. The pain can be dull or sharp, and it may get worse with movement. They can also cause tingling and numbness. Typically, the symptoms will travel down your arm to your hands, following the affected nerve.
It’s possible to experience muscle weakness, too. It can include weakness in the arm, hand, or even specific fingers. At the same time, you can experience headaches that don’t seem to go away.
Symptoms that require immediate medical assistance include progressive weakness as well as coordination issues. You may struggle to walk or stand upright. It’s rare to experience loss of bowel or bladder control, but it could occur. These are all likely medical emergencies that should be treated urgently.
Treatment of Cervical Herniated Disc Injuries
The severity of the herniated disc will dictate the most appropriate treatment. The first option will likely be to rest, though not necessarily prolonged bed rest. You may be given over-the-counter pain medication to help with the discomfort and any resulting inflammation.
You may also need physical therapy. With targeted exercises, you can reduce some of the pressure on the affected area. In some instances, a cervical collar could provide additional support. In more serious cases, it may be necessary to resort to invasive options, like nerve root blocks and surgical treatments.
Legal Options After Experiencing a Cervical Herniated Disc Injury
If you have suffered a cervical herniated disc injury because of another party’s misconduct, you may be able to file a personal injury claim to recover your losses. To do so, however, you must demonstrate that the other party owed you a duty of care that they breached. For example, if you were in a car accident involving an intoxicated driver, they breached their duty of care to operate the vehicle safely.
If successful, a personal injury claim for your cervical herniated disc injury could result in monetary damages. This compensation can cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, among other personal and financial losses associated with the injury.
Contact Our Jacksonville Personal Injury Lawyers at Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
After suffering a serious injury like a cervical herniated disc injury, you may end up with significant medical bills and the inability to work as you recover. If the accident that caused the injury was the result of another party’s conduct, beginning a claim can help you obtain compensation. This process can be easier to manage with help from an attorney.
If you need legal help after a cervical herniated disc injury, call Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers today. Our Jacksonville personal injury lawyers offer free consultations and are ready to get started on your case.
For more information, please contact the Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra personal injury law firm of Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
We serve Duval County, St. Johns County, and its surrounding areas:
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Jacksonville
9471 Baymeadows Rd #105,
Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 396-1100
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Downtown Jacksonville
121 W Forsyth St Suite 1000,
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 822-4225
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Ponte Vedra
480 Town Plaza Ave #130,
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32081
(904) 675-1167