A cervical herniated disc occurs when one of the discs in the cervical spine (neck) protrudes or ruptures, pressing on nearby nerves. This condition often results from age-related degeneration, trauma, or repetitive stress.
Symptoms can include neck pain, radiating pain into the shoulders and arms, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness. The severity of symptoms depends on the extent of nerve compression and the specific nerves affected.
Diagnosis is typically made through physical examination and imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans.
Treatment options range from conservative methods, including rest, physical therapy, and medications to relieve pain and inflammation, to more invasive procedures like epidural steroid injections. In severe cases where conservative treatments fail, surgical intervention such as discectomy (removal of the herniated portion of the disc) may be necessary to alleviate pressure on the affected nerves and restore function.
Dr. Hoda Jazayeri is a specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, focusing on the non-surgical treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. With […]
