Neck Injuries

Neck injuries may be particularly devastating and frequently result in lifelong restriction. Even minor accidents involving the neck, arising out of low-speed car crashes or slip and falls in the home, sometimes result in serious injuries when the neck is involved.

The region of the spine which comprises the neck is known as the cervical spine. The cervical spine has seven discs. The discs in the cervical spine are often compared to a jelly donut. A herniation occurs when the "donut" is punctured and the jelly spills out. A bulge occurs when the jelly in the donut is moved around by impact. Pain or numbness occurs when the jelly in the disc touches or presses against a nerve.

Our White Plains personal injury lawyers will tell you that hospitals routinely order x-rays (which are cheaper) after an accident occurs, however, they rarely order MRIs for neck-related injuries.

Insurance providers will frequently try to avoid MRI tests, even in serious neck-related cases. in an effort to save themselves a few dollars. Our Westchester County spinal injury lawyers will work with you to ensure that your doctor prescribes an MR1 and that it is covered by your insurance provider.

Surgery arising out of neck injuries is always a last resort.

However, if the pain is too great and cannot be controlled by any other means, then surgery may be considered.

Some typical neck injury related surgeries include:

1. Laminectomy - where bone fragments which may be pressing on a nerve or nerve root are removed.

2. Disectomy - in which a disc is removed, in whole or in part, if it is touching a nerve.

3. Spinal Fusion - a spinal fusion or open reduction/internal fixation is the most invasive type of neck surgery and is usually a last resort. A spinal fusion is a procedure where portions of the spine are fused together using rods or screws to hold it in place.

If you or someone you know has suffered a serious neck injury, call our neck injury attorneys in White Plains immediately. The consultation is free and our lawyers are available 24/7 to assist you.