A cervical herniated disc is a spinal injury in which the cartilage between the vertebrae in the neck ruptures, pinches the spinal nerves and causes pain and numbness.

While the precise location of a cervical herniated disc will determine the severity and nature of the neck pain, in many cases, individuals suffering this injury will experience arm and neck pain, as well as numbness and tingling that can extend down to the fingertips.

Accidents or traumatic events, such falls or collisions, are among some of the common causes of cervical herniated disc injuries. For railroad employees, the risk of such injuries is particularly high, namely due to their regular use of heavy, complex machinery and the incidence of railroad collisions (Last year, the Federal Railroad Administration received about 3,000 reports of railroad accidents).

Any railroad worker who has sustained a cervical herniated disc while working will likely be entitled to compensation through either workers' compensation laws or the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA), depending on the nature and cause of the injury. If you or a loved one has suffered a cervical herniated disc or another railroad injury, the experienced FELA attorneys at Gordon & Elias, L.L.P. can help you. Contact us today.

C4 – C5 Cervical Herniated Disc Injuries

As the third most common type of cervical herniated spine injury, a C5 – C6 injury:

  • weakens the deltoid muscle (which covers the shoulder and controls arm rotation and extension)
  • may cause shoulder pain
  • typically does NOT result in tingling or numbness in the arms and/or hands

C5 – C6 Cervical Herniated Disc Injuries

A C5 – C6 herniated disc trauma is one of the most common types of cervical spinal disc rupture. Symptoms of a C5- C6 herniated disc include:

  • weakened biceps and wrist extensor muscles (which control rotation and flexing of the wrists)
  • pain, numbness and/or tingling that may extend down the arm to the thumb

C6 – C7 Cervical Herniated Disc Injuries

Along with the C5 – C6 injury, the C6 – C7 disc herniation is also one of the most common cervical spine injuries. Indications of a C6 – C7 disc herniation include:

  • weakened triceps (the muscles in the back of the upper arm)
  • weakened finger extensor muscles (which control the extension and dexterity of the fingers)
  • pain, numbness and/or tingling that can run from the triceps to the middle finger

C7 – T1 Injuries

This is one of the rare forms of cervical disc herniation. C7 – T1 injuries weaken an individual's ability to grip objects and, in some cases, are marked by pain, numbness and/or tingling that extends down the arm to the little finger.

Arm and neck pain is typically its severest upon the initial pinching of the nerve.

Neck Pain Treatments

Neck pain caused by any type of railroad worker cervical disc herniation is usually first treated with non-invasive, conservative treatments, including:

  • chiropractic care
  • physical therapy
  • modified activity (i.e. not performing actions or motion that cause pain)
  • anti-inflammatory medications
  • steroid injections (to reduce inflammation)
  • use of medical support devices, such as slings or braces

Should symptoms persist despite these treatments, surgery may be needed to treat cervical disc herniations.

Following Treatments: Meeting a FELA Lawyer

After injured railroad workers have stabilized their health, it's also essential that they meet with an experienced FELA lawyer to find out if they are entitled to substantial FELA settlements.

According to FELA law, injured railroad employees will be entitled to settlements if:

  • They were injured on-the-job.
  • They can prove that their employer's, a co-worker's or an equipment manufacturer's negligence caused or intensified their injuries.

At Gordon & Elias, L.L.P., our FELA attorneys have extensive experience in representing injured railroad workers and families, nationwide. Our attorneys are committed to helping railroad workers seek and recover compensation for the physical, emotional and financial damages incurred in a railroad accident. If you or a loved one has suffered a back injury in a railroad accident, contact us for help. We will thoroughly investigate your injury and help you get the compensation you need to get your life back on track.

Call 800-773-6770 to speak to a REAL FELA attorney.