Cervical Disc Herniation: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Overview

A cervical disc is a cushion-like structure between the vertebrae in the neck (cervical spine). It acts as a shock absorber, allowing neck mobility while protecting the spinal cord and nerves. Cervical disc herniation occurs when the inner core of a cervical disc protrudes or ruptures through the tough outer layer, pressing on nearby nerves or the spinal cord. This can lead to neck pain, arm pain, and neurological symptoms. The condition can happen due to an external injury or internal issues such as wear and tear of the bones, lifting heavy objects, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, or even smoking!

A herniated disc can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the hands, legs, arms, shoulders, and the affected area. The issue can be observed in the lower back, back, or neck and can lead to pain in different other parts of the body if not treated at the right time.

Neurological exams, different types of imaging tests, and nerve tests help identify the disease’s symptoms and allow the doctor to decide the correct form of treatment.

Causes of Cervical Disc Herniation 

• • Disc Degeneration- Degeneration of the disc is one of the primary causes of pain in the neck. It happens due to wear and tear of the bones due to ageing and cracks appearing on them. The situation can cause pain and stiffness in the neck, making it difficult for the affected individual to move the neck in any direction.
  • The affected individual is also unable to sleep as one may feel uncomfortable moving the neck in any direction.
  • Age-related Wear and Tear- Discs naturally degenerate and become less flexible with age, making them more prone to herniation.
  • Trauma- An injury or accident can force a disc out of place.
  • Sudden Twist in the Neck– A sudden twist in the neck leads to tears and cracks in the neck’s bones. The individual is unable to move the neck in any direction. A sudden twist can happen due to an accident or an injury. The twist can happen involuntarily or in case of an accident or damage caused by another individual. The injury can lead to cracks and tears in the bones in the neck, causing pain and discomfort if not treated correctly.
  • Muscle Strain– A muscle strain of the neck due to longer hours of working on a desktop, a hunched neck due to reading a book on a bed, or excessive screen time on a couch or bed can trigger the muscles in the neck, causing pain. Such activities can lead to worn-out joints. A proper neck position while using a screen or reading a book is vital to avoid a bulging disc in the neck. A good position is essential to prevent a hunched back, neck, and other spinal issues.
  • Spinal Conditions- Conditions such as spinal stenosis or degenerative disc disease can contribute to herniation.

Symptoms of Cervical Disc Herniation 

• • Pain in Shoulder and Arms– Extreme or pinching pain in the shoulders and arms is one of the primary symptoms of cervical disc herniation. If the pain is not treated at the right time and medication is procrastinated, one may also feel pain in various other parts of the body. One may also feel arm and leg pain during activities such as coughing, sneezing, or moving into certain positions. The pain happens due to inflammation of the nerves near the neck, shoulders, and arms, leading to pain in these areas.
  • Numbness– Numbness in the neck is another identifiable symptom of a herniated disc in the neck. Often, the affected individual cannot feel any sensation in the neck. It happens due to damage caused to the nerve roots near the affected area. When it comes out of the annulus, the nucleus pressurises the nerves of the affected area of the neck. The numbness can also lead to pain and other issues in the neck if not treated at the right time.
  • Weakness– Weakness of the neck is another symptom of the cervical herniation. It happens due to the oozing out of the nucleus from the annulus and pressurising the nerve roots of the neck, leading to pain and discomfort.
  • Difficulty with Fine Motor Skills- Reduced dexterity and coordination in the hand.
  • Headaches- In some cases, herniated discs can lead to headaches, especially in the back of the head.
  • Limited Range of Motion- Reduced ability to move the neck and head comfortably.
  • Radiating Pain- Pain may worsen with certain movements or positions, such as coughing or sneezing.

Treatment Options for Cervical Disc Herniation 

• • Medications- Different drugs help lower neck pain, numbness, and tingling sensation. It is usually the first line of treatment to cure cervical disc herniation. Medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, neuropathic drugs, muscle relaxers, opioids, and cortisone injections help lower the neck’s pain, numbness, and tingling sensation. The individual can move the neck, shoulders, and arms freely without pain.
  • Therapy– Therapies suggested by the doctor to lower the pain in the neck and shoulders also help to deal with a herniated disc. The therapies performed by professional therapists help to heal the irritated and painful nerves that help to lower pain.

Surgery– It is the last resort when a patient cannot feel relieved from the symptoms after using conservative treatments. The surgery helps to lower the issues experienced by the patient, such as extreme pain, numbness, weakness, or tingling sensation in the neck. Surgical interventions include –

• Discectomy: Surgical removal of the herniated disc material.
• Cervical Fusion: Joining adjacent vertebrae to stabilise the spine.
• Artificial Disc Replacement: Replace the damaged disc with an artificial one.

Lifestyle Modifications- Including ergonomic changes, weight management, and avoiding activities that aggravate symptoms.

When to Consult a Doctor

You can also get in touch with the expert Ortho doctors at Narayana Healthcare based in your city to get immediate attention and medical support during injuries, health disorders or any other health concern.

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Conclusion

Cervical disc herniation can be observed in the neck or lower back, causing pain and weakness of the muscles of the affected area. It can happen due to an external injury or internal issues the spine faces. The problem can be resolved with the help of medication, therapies, or surgery if required.

FAQs

Q. What is a cervical disc herniation?
A. Extreme neck pain observed by a patient due to an injury or other spinal issues is known as cervical disc herniation.

Q. What are the symptoms of cervical disc herniation?
A. The herniated disc symptoms are pain in the neck, tingling and numbness, and weakness of the neck muscles.

Q. What type of surgical interventions are used to treat cervical disc herniation?
A. The surgery helps to lower the issues experienced by the patient, such as extreme pain, numbness, weakness, or tingling sensation in the neck. Surgical interventions include –

• Discectomy: Surgical removal of the herniated disc material.
• Cervical Fusion: Joining adjacent vertebrae to stabilise the spine.
• Artificial Disc Replacement: Replace the damaged disc with an artificial one.

Q. What are the causes of cervical disc herniation?
A. Cervical disc herniation is caused by factors such as age-related wear and tear, trauma, repetitive strain, genetics, smoking, obesity, occupation, poor posture, spinal conditions, and sometimes unknown factors.

Reference Links

• • https://www.narayanahealth.org/blog/cervical-spondylosis-causes-symptoms-and-treatment-options/
  • https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/herniated-disk/symptoms-causes/syc-20354095