A disc herniation in the neck cervical region can appear without a clear cause, however it may develop after trauma (for example from hyperextension of the neck, a fall, a car accident, a diving accident).
If you are involved in an accident and have subsequently developed neck pain, did you know that you may be entitled to compensation? If you would like to find out whether you can make a claim, just complete the contact form, and one of our personal injury attorneys will advise you of your rights. Our attorneys are highly experienced personal injury lawyers who understand cervical neck injuries and the types of settlements that may be awarded.
Cervical Herniated Disc
In 70% of cases where there disc herniation in the neck, the 7th root level is involved. The 6th root accounts for 20% of cervical disc herniations, and the 8th root accounts for about 10%.
Cervical disc herniations, particularly if they are large in size, can result in compression of the spinal cord. Bilateral hand numbness, parasthesias, or similar altered sensation is common.
Cervical disc protrusions can impact on the nearby nerve roots causing specific symptoms depending on which level of the cervical spine is affected (as described below). However, generally speaking the most common symptoms to look out for are:
- Limited range of movement of the neck.
- Aggravation of pain in the neck with movement.
- Aggravation of neck pain with coughing and sneazing.
Disc Protrusion at C6 and C7
When the disc protrusion lies between the C6 and C7 vertebrae in the neck, there is usually some form of involvement of the seventh cervical root.
Symptoms of cervical disc herniation, C7 cervical root:
- Pain and tenderness in the shoulder blade region
- Pain in the pectoral region
- Possibly pain also in the posterolateral upper arm area, elbow, dorsal forearm, index and middle fingers.
- Possibly parasthesia and sensory loss in the tips of fingers, especially second and third fingers.
- Weakness for example, in forearms or wrist or hand grip.
Disc Protrusion at C5 and C6
With a laterally situated disc protrusion between C5 and C6, symptoms usually involve the C6 cervical root. Symptoms may include pain at the tip of the shoulder with radiation of pain (and possibly parasthesia or sensory impairment) into the upper part of the arm, radial forearm, the thumb, and sometimes the index finger.
Other possible symptoms at the C6 root level include:
- Tenderness
- Weakness in flexion of the biceps
- Weakness in contraction of the deltoid muscle when sustaining arm abduction.
Disc Herniation between C4 and C5
This produces the 5th cervical root syndrome. Symptoms include pain in the shoulder and trapezius region. There may be weakness of the supra and infraspinatus muscles, and sometimes weakness of the biceps muscles.
C7-T1
With compression of the 8th cervical root at C7-T1, the pain is along the medial side of the forearm.
Radiological Studies of the Neck
Your doctor may order various radiology and other diagnostic studies to determine the level of root compression in the neck. Studies may include nerve conduction studies, F responses, and EMG.
Treatment and Management of Herniated Cervical Disc in Neck
Initially, conservative measures will usually be used (eg wearing a special collar), using analgesia for pain relief, but in severe cases (eg where there is substantial muscle weakness and ongoing pain) surgery may be needed. In fact, the disc may need to be removed by surgery.
If you have been in an accident and have suffered a severe neck injury such as a herniated disk or disk protrusion which is causing you continuing problems, you may be entitled to compensation.
To find out more about your legal rights, please complete the Contact Form.
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