Although herniation may occur at any disc level from C2 to the sacrum, the most frequently involved site appear to be those segments with great range of motion and/or axial loading forces. In the cervical spine, C5-6, C6-7, and C4-5 are the most frequent discs to herniate, while L4-5, L5-S1, and L3-4 are commonly involved in the lumbar spine.
Trauma to the spine implies that an injury has occurred to any or all of the following anatomical structures: Mechanical instability of the vertebral column and actual or potential neurologic injury are two primary problems that surgeons are concerned about in spinal trauma.
The image above shows a common accident. The driver in the front of the vehicle would most likely have a flexion injury which is a severe forward bending of neck or trunk. An extension injury is a severe backward bending of the neck or trunk.
