Stephen Schultz | October 9, 2026 | Personal Injury
Your spine consists of vertebrae separated by discs that cushion the bones and absorb shock. Although these discs help protect the spine and support movement, they can become damaged in an accident.
After car accidents, assaults, or slip and fall incidents, trauma can cause a spinal disc to herniate, potentially resulting in pain, numbness, and other symptoms. Understanding cervical herniated disc injuries can help you recognize when medical attention may be necessary.
What Is a Cervical Herniated Disc?
The cervical spine is the uppermost of the five main regions of the spine. It consists of seven vertebrae that support the head and allow the neck to move.
Between most cervical vertebrae are discs with a tough outer layer called the annulus fibrosus and a softer, gel-like center called the nucleus pulposus. These discs absorb shock and allow flexibility.
A cervical disc herniation occurs when material from the disc’s inner portion pushes through a weakened or torn outer layer. The displaced material can irritate or compress nearby nerves and, in some cases, the spinal cord.
What Are the Symptoms of a Cervical Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc in the neck may cause symptoms such as:
- Sharp, aching, or burning neck pain
- Pain that radiates into the shoulder, arm, or hand
- Tingling or numbness in the arms or fingers
- Muscle weakness in the arms or hands
- Difficulty gripping or holding objects
Some people experience symptoms immediately after an accident, while others notice discomfort that develops or worsens over time. Not every herniated disc causes symptoms.
What Causes Cervical Herniated Disc Injuries?
Cervical discs can weaken naturally with age, making them more vulnerable to damage. However, sudden trauma can also cause or aggravate a disc herniation.
Potential causes include motor vehicle collisions, falls, assaults, and contact sports. Workplace accidents involving heavy lifting, sudden impacts, or falls may also contribute to these injuries.
Repetitive strain and certain movements can place additional stress on spinal discs, particularly when age-related degeneration is already present.
How Are Cervical Herniated Discs Diagnosed?
A medical provider may begin with a physical examination to assess neck movement, reflexes, muscle strength, and sensation. These findings can help determine whether a nerve is affected.
An MRI can reveal disc damage and show whether a herniation is pressing on nearby nerves or the spinal cord. X-rays may also be used to examine the bones and alignment of the cervical spine, although they do not directly show a herniated disc.
How Are Cervical Herniated Discs Treated?
Many cervical herniated discs improve with nonsurgical treatment, including activity modifications, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy. Epidural steroid injections may also help relieve nerve-related pain in some patients.
If symptoms persist or significant neurological problems develop, surgery may be necessary. One option is anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), which involves removing the damaged disc and stabilizing the affected vertebrae.
Other procedures include artificial disc replacement, which may preserve neck movement, and posterior cervical foraminotomy, which can relieve pressure on certain compressed nerves. The appropriate treatment depends on the severity and location of the injury.
Can You File a Personal Injury Claim for a Cervical Herniated Disc?
If another party’s negligence caused or aggravated your cervical herniated disc injury, you may have grounds to pursue a personal injury claim. Establishing liability generally requires showing that the responsible party owed you a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused injuries resulting in damages.
Depending on the circumstances, compensation may be available for medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and other qualifying losses.
Medical records, diagnostic imaging, accident reports, and other evidence can help establish how the injury occurred and how it has affected your life. A personal injury attorney can evaluate the circumstances and explain the legal options that may be available.
Contact the Creve Coeur Personal Injury Attorneys at Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
A cervical herniated disc can disrupt your ability to work, care for your family, and enjoy everyday activities. If someone else’s negligence caused your injury, you shouldn’t have to navigate the legal process alone.
At Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand how overwhelming medical bills, missed work, and insurance disputes can become after a serious injury. Our Creve Coeur personal injury lawyers are prepared to advocate for your interests and help you pursue compensation for your losses.
Reach out to our team for a free consultation to discuss your situation and the next steps toward protecting your rights.
We proudly serve all throughout Missouri, including St. Louis County and Boone County and we have offices in St. Louis, Ladue, Columbia, Creve Coeur.
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – St. Louis Office
319 N 4th Street, Suite 835, St. Louis, MO 63102
(314) 444-4444
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – Columbia Office
28 N 8th St # 502, Columbia, MO 65201
(573) 702-3285
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – Ladue Office
9807 S 40 Dr, St. Louis, MO 63124
(314) 912-3302
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – Creve Coeur Office
999 Executive Pkwy Dr #205, Creve Coeur, MO 63141
(314) 350-4021
