Cervical Disc Herniation

The spine is comprised of many bones, ligaments, joints, muscles, and discs. The discs act as padding and cushion for the spaces between the bones. A healthy disc is wide, wet, and sits correctly within its allotted area. When the disc moves outside of its allotted area, the pressure of the disc itself can push on sensitive structures like nerve roots or the spinal cord.

The typical patient with a cervical disc herniation complains of neck and arm pain, which is more often on one side. It typically occurs following a neck injury, but could also be a result of prolonged changes in the neck that often go undetected. The pain is usually associated with feelings of numbness and tingling that goes into the hand(s) as well as muscle weakness. The symptoms get worse with movement, and get better with positional changes.

Depending on the cause and severity of the condition, treatment for a cervical disc herniation varies. Severe cases are diagnosed with MRI or CT scans. Close monitoring of less severe cases is important so that they are caught and treated early.

Treatment of less severe cases include the adjustment, traction, and therapeutic modalities, which tends to work efficiently and in fairly short periods of time. Like all conditions, patient compliance to treatment and lifestyle changes is important for swift recovery. Non-response to treatment and severe, unmanageable pain typically suggests more severe cases, warranting imaging and likely referral to a specialist.