David J. Muñoz | May 14, 2026 | Personal Injury

Suffering a spinal injury of any type can not only be painful, but it can also leave you with serious medical expenses and the inability to live your life as you used to. Herniated discs are one type of spinal injury that can occur as a result of trauma or repetitive movements over time. 

If you were hurt in an accident in California, it’s important to understand how herniated discs in your neck area can happen and what they can mean for your well-being.

Understanding Herniated Cervical Discs

Your spinal cord is protected by a column made up of bones called vertebrae. Each person is born with 33 vertebrae, though most people will end up with 24 vertebrae by the time they reach adulthood because several of these bones fuse together with age. 

To keep these bones from rubbing together and to offer as much flexibility as possible, discs sit between the vertebrae. These shock-absorbing cushions have a gel-like center and a thick, fibrous collagen ring surrounding it. 

A herniated disc occurs when the center of the disc pushes against the outer ring, tearing it. This can put pressure on surrounding nerves and other structures. A herniated cervical disc occurs anywhere along the discs between the first seven vertebrae, also called the cervical spine. 

If you have a herniated cervical disc, you may experience symptoms such as:

• Pain radiating from the neck to the shoulder and arms
• Neck stiffness
• Shoulder or shoulder blade pain
• Muscle weakness 
• Numbness or tingling in the arms and hands
• Changes in reflexes

Pain will generally get worse when you try to move your head or when you cough or sneeze. You may also experience headaches. 

Common Causes of Cervical Herniated Disc Injuries

Acute trauma is a leading cause of many cervical herniated discs. Being in a severe car accident, especially one involving speeding or a rollover, can lead your head to rapidly whip forward and backward. This sudden movement can put significant pressure on your neck, potentially leading to a herniated disc. 

A fall can also cause a cervical herniated disc injury. Even a slip and fall incident at ground level can be traumatic enough to cause this injury. 

Being struck by objects can also cause herniated discs. This is particularly likely in worksites like construction zones. Other workplace issues, such as lifting heavy items without proper equipment or performing repetitive movements, can be severe enough to affect your cervical discs. 

Personal Injury Claims and Cervical Herniated Disc Injuries

These types of injuries can cause significant pain and could impact your mobility. You may not be able to work in the same capacity as you used to, yet you might be dealing with expensive medical care at the same time.

The good news is that, under California law, you could be eligible to pursue compensation for your losses if another party was responsible for the harm you suffered. To file this type of claim, you’ll typically need to demonstrate that the other party owed you a duty of care and that they breached it. 

If you can successfully prove that their conduct resulted in injuries for which you can be compensated, then you might be able to recover damages for losses like medical bills and lost wages. A lawyer can be an invaluable partner in this process, as they will know what evidence to gather to support your claim and how to navigate negotiations.

Contact Our Chula Vista Personal Injury Attorneys at Mission Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation

When dealing with pain from a herniated disc, the last thing you want to do is worry about legal procedures. By hiring an attorney with experience representing these types of claims, you can fight for fair compensation with less stress. 

If you’ve been injured in San Diego or Chula Vista, please call Mission Personal Injury Lawyers for a free case evaluation with a personal injury lawyer or contact us online.

We proudly serve San Diego County and throughout California.

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – San Diego Office
3666 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 777-5555

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – Chula Vista Office
690 Otay Lakes Rd #130, Chula Vista, CA 91910
(619) 722-3032

We also serve the state of Texas. For legal assistance, contact our personal injury law office in El Paso today.
Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – El Paso Office
201 E Main Suite 106, El Paso, Texas 79901
(915) 591-1000