July 28, 2025 | Personal Injury
The neck is a fragile structure, and even small accidents can cause serious problems. When a disc between two vertebrae gets pushed out of place, it is called a herniated disc. This injury can happen at any level of the cervical spine, but the C4/C5 and C5/C6 levels are especially vulnerable because of the amount of movement and stress those areas endure.
The discs in your neck act as cushions between bones. When one slips or ruptures, it can press on nerves or even the spinal cord. This pressure leads to pain, numbness, and weakness that can spread to the shoulders, arms, and hands.
How Herniated Discs At C4/C5 And C5/C6 Feel
Pain is usually the first thing someone notices when they have a herniated disc. For injuries at the C4-C5 level, pain often appears in the neck and radiates to the shoulder. At the C5-C6 level, the pain tends to travel farther down into the arm and hand. Weakness in the arms or fingers and a tingling pins-and-needles sensation are also common.
Often, herniated discs are debilitating. C5-C6 disc herniation symptoms can make it difficult to grip objects, type, or even just sleep through the night. Some people experience muscle spasms and headaches that won’t go away.
More severe cases involve symptoms of spinal cord compression at C5-6. These can include balance problems, loss of coordination, and in rare cases, issues with bladder or bowel control. These symptoms suggest the spinal cord itself is under serious pressure, which requires immediate medical attention.
Common Accidents That Cause Neck Disc Injuries
Car crashes are one of the leading causes of herniated discs in the neck. Even at lower speeds, a collision can jolt the head and neck violently and damage the discs. Rear-end accidents, in particular, tend to create the sudden whiplash motion that tears or displaces those delicate structures.
Falls are another major cause. A slip on icy stairs, a fall from a ladder, or a stumble on a cracked sidewalk can send someone to the ground hard enough to hurt their neck. The impact can force the head to snap back or sideways, stressing the cervical spine beyond its limits.
Sports injuries are also common. Hard impacts in sports like football, wrestling, and gymnastics can deliver enough trauma to herniate a disc. For some, repetitive strain at work (like heavy lifting or awkward neck postures day after day) can wear the discs down until one finally gives way.
The Long-Term Effects Of Herniated Disc In The Neck
Neck injuries like these don’t always heal completely. Long-term effects may include chronic pain, reduced range of motion, and permanent nerve damage. Some people need surgery to relieve the pressure on their nerves. Even after they heal, they might struggle to regain full strength or sensation.
If left untreated, a herniated disc can also lead to more degeneration of the spine over time, making future injuries more likely. Knowing how serious these injuries can become is important when deciding how to move forward after an accident.
What These Injuries Really Mean For Your Life
Herniated discs at C4/C5 and C5/C6 can turn a normal day into a struggle. They often follow accidents that seem minor at first but leave lasting damage. Understanding what causes these injuries and what symptoms to watch for can help someone recognize when they’ve suffered more than just a sore neck.
Contact a Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer at Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been in an accident and are dealing with pain, tingling, or weakness, it’s a good idea to have it checked out. What feels minor now could be something more serious. Reach out to Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers for a free case review with a Chicago personal injury lawyer.
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Chicago, IL, don’t navigate the legal process alone. Our dedicated team is here to provide the expert guidance you need to secure the compensation you deserve. Contact our experienced attorneys at Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers for a free consultation.
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