Treatment for a Herniated Cervical Disc

       The herniation of a cervical disc can be a painful injury to the neck that requires immediate attention to prevent further injury to the surrounding area. Cervical disc herniation can be caused by trauma, however the painful symptoms may appear spontaneously with no provocation. The average age of a patient suffering with a herniated cervical disc is in the age group between thirty and fifty years of age. The most common levels where a cervical herniation occurs are at C5-C6, C6-C7 and C4-C5. At level C5-C6 weakness in the biceps and wrist extensors will be felt along with numbness and tingling affecting the thumb side of the hand. At C6-C7, weakness in the triceps may be present as well as numbness and tingling into the triceps area, as well as into the middle finger. At C4-C5, a patient may generally experience weakness into the deltoid muscle.

Treatment

       The treatment for a herniated cervical disc is generally dependent on several factors. These factors include the specific patient’s symptoms, age, and the activity level of the patient and if their symptoms are worsening over time. A physician will normally begin treatment with diagnostic imaging to precisely determine at what level the disc herniation is located. An MRI is the most ideal diagnostic imaging tool for viewing a herniation. Following the imaging results, treatment generally begins conservatively, with rest and activity avoidance being recommended at first, followed by heat and ice therapy, and finally physical therapy, chiropractic care, and appropriate modalities such as electrical stimulation, ultrasound, traction, massage therapy and strengthening exercises. More aggressive treatment may be recommended if conservative therapies yield little to no improvement. Spinal surgery to remove the herniated disc, therefore reducing the pressure on the nerves, is necessary for 10 percent of patients with a herniated disc. This option is only recommended when conservative treatment is unsuccessful or if major neurological problems are present.

References Cited in this Article

www.about.com 

www.mayoclinic.com

www.spine-health.com