About herniated cervical disc
A herniated cervical disc occurs when part of the normal spinal disc between any two of the neck vertebrae has been pushed out of its normal position and into the space of the spinal canal where the spinal cord or nerve roots become vulnerable to injury from the protruding disc.
What are the causes of cervical disc herniation?
A herniated disc or bulging disc is usually caused by wear and tear of the disc (also called disc degeneration). Our discs lose some of the fluid that helps them maintain flexibility as we get older. A disc herniation may also result from injuries to the spine. These injuries may cause tiny tears or cracks in the outer layer (annulus or capsule) of the disc. The jellylike material (nucleus) that is found inside the disc may be forced out through the tears or cracks in the capsule, which causes the disc to bulge, break open (rupture), or break into fragments.
It is interesting to note that herniated discs are much more common amongst smokers.
Symptoms of herniated cervical disc?
Herniated disks in the neck (cervical spine) may cause numbness, pain or weakness in the neck, shoulders, chest, arms, and hands. A very large herniated disc in the neck,in some cases, may cause weakness or unusual tingling affecting other parts of the body, including the legs.
How is herniated cervical disc diagnosed?
A health specialist can usually diagnose a herniated disc from a physical examination and from your history of symptoms. Your healthcare professional will ask about pain and numbness that might be caused by irritation of one or more of the nerves in the cervical spine. If a cervical herniated disc is diagnosed, rest and rehabilitation are often recommended before further testing is done for future treatment . If there is no improvement or if other conditions are suspected in symptoms after a period of rest and rehabilitation, imaging tests such as, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray,or computerized tomography (CT scan) may be done.
Treatment for herniated cervical disc
Conservative Treatment,to relieve symptoms and improve function does not always provide relief rather than cure. Potential treatment for ruptured cervical disc are physical therapy, exercises chiropractic care, injections, medications, etc.
Bulging cervical disc Surgery
The aim of herniated cervical disc surgery is to take the pressure of the nerve. This can be done by direct removal of disc material and/or providing the space for the nerve that nature has failed to do. The disk herniation causes the symptoms in the arm, decompression of the nerve allows the nerve freedom and the potential to reverse its "injury state" from compression. Surgical intervention improves specific symptoms in the arm more than other symptoms.
In many cases, herniated cervical discs are first treated with nonsurgical treatment, including modified activities or rest medicines to relieve pain and inflammation, and exercises, as recommended by your healthcare professional. Symptoms normally improve over time. However, if the bulging disc is squeezing your spinal cord or nerves and/or you are experiencing weakness and constant pain, discectomy (surgery) will be considered first.
Removal of a herniated cervical disc or cervical discectomy is necessary when the disc has ruptured and thus losing its ability to retain its form, thereby placing pressure on the nerves. An incision is made on the front of the neck to the carefully and precisely remove the disc and the two bordering vertebrae are joined to create stability. And to bridge the gap left from the removed herniated disc (fusion)Very small sections of bone may be used from another part of the body.