What is Cervical Disc Herniation, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Cervical herniation is a condition in which one of the discs of the cervical spine (cervical vertebrae) protrudes or a jelly-like structure leaks out of the disc. It usually occurs when this structure leaks from the inside of the discs to the outside. Cervical disc herniation can cause pain in many different ways in people’s bodies. However, some patients may not experience any pain. In addition to the pain symptom, numbness or weakness in the arm and hand may also occur. Cervical disc herniation can result from muscle weakness, trauma, or neck injury. Treatment methods include rest, exercise, physical therapy and pain medications. However, in more severe cases, surgical intervention may be required.

What is Cervical Disc Herniation?

Cervical disc herniation is simply a spinal injury that occurs in people. The spine consists of a series of bones that extend from the base of the skull to the tailbone. There are spinal discs between the vertebrae. The spinal disc contains a soft, jelly-like substance called the nucleus. The main function of discs is to act as a buffer between bones. Thanks to the discs, the person can easily bend and move. Cervical herniation occurs when one of these discs in the neck area ruptures or leaks. A herniated disc occurs when part of the nucleus is pushed out through a tear.

What are the causes of cervical disc herniation?

The discs between the spinal bones have soft, gel-like centers and a firmer outer layer. Over time or with traumatic damage, the outer layer weakens and may crack. Disc core fluid leaking from the weakened or cracked area can put pressure on the vertebral nerves. Some of the causes of cervical disc hernia are:

• Aging: During the aging process, the fluid content of the discs in the spine decreases and their elasticity is lost. Loss of fluid and elasticity in the discs may cause damage to the discs.
• Overload: Situations such as lifting heavy loads for long periods of time, performing repetitive movements, or constantly working in poor posture positions can cause strain and damage to the discs in people’s cervical spine.
• Trauma and accidents: Situations such as traumatic injuries to the neck area, falls after an accident, or vehicle accidents can cause damage to the discs.
• Abnormal postures: Irregular neck and back positions, poor posture habits, or habits such as constantly standing bent or sideways for long periods of time can cause strain and damage to the discs.
• Obesity: Obesity may be effective in cervical disc herniation. Being overweight can increase the pressure on the spine and pave the way for hernia formation in the neck area over time.

What are the symptoms of cervical disc herniation?

Cervical disc herniation symptoms vary depending on the location of the hernia. The degree and location of pain may also be different for each patient. In the case of a cervical disc herniation, the pain may radiate down the arm and, in some cases, to the hand. Pain may occur in the shoulders and neck, especially when you turn your head or bend over. Some of the symptoms of cervical disc hernia are:

• Neck pain: The most common symptom in people with a cervical disc herniation is pain felt in the neck area. This pain usually starts in the lower neck or shoulders and may radiate to the arm or hand area.
• Shoulder and arm pain: Nerve compression from a herniated disc can cause pain, burning, or tingling sensations in the shoulders or arms. In addition to pain, weakness or weakness in the arm and hand may also occur.
• Headache: Headache is one of the prominent symptoms encountered in neck hernia. The pain often starts from the neck and can spread towards the back of the head or temples.
• Numbness and tingling: A hernia occurring in the neck area can put pressure on the spinal nerves. This pressure on the nerves may cause numbness and tingling in the arm, hand or fingers.
• Weakness in arms and hands: Cervical disc hernia can affect the arm and hand muscles, causing weakness. This can lead to difficulty in the ability to grasp or hold items.
• Stiffness in neck: People with a cervical disc herniation may feel stiffness and limited movement in the neck. There may be pain or stiffness in neck movements.
• Symptoms of nerve compression: If it puts pressure on the nerves, the symptoms of a cervical disc herniation may include nerve compression symptoms such as pain, weakness or tingling in the lower back or legs.

How is Cervical Disc Herniation Diagnosed?

In diagnosing a cervical disc hernia, the patient is first given a comprehensive examination by the specialist doctor. During the physical examination, the doctor can evaluate pain symptoms, muscle reflexes, and muscle strength. The following tests may also be used to confirm the diagnosis:

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): The most common imaging test used to diagnose cervical disc herniation is MRI. This test helps identify herniated discs, conditions that may put pressure on the spinal canal, and other spinal problems.
• X-ray: X-rays create images of the spine, assessing the distance between vertebrae, bone degeneration, and spinal curvature.
• Computed tomography (CT): With a CT scan, the doctor can see the patient’s spine bones. This test creates cross-sectional images of the spine and evaluates the condition of the discs, narrowing of the spinal canal and other structural changes.
• Myelogram: Myelogram involves using spinal dye injection for a CT scan. The dye injected into the body is examined using X-rays and narrowings in the spinal canal can be seen.
• Electromyogram (EMG): This test is used to evaluate the functionality of nerves and muscles. During the test, small needles are inserted into various muscles to try to determine which nerve is affected.

Cervical Disc Herniation Treatment

In mild cases without serious symptoms, the initial treatment recommended by the doctor for cervical disc herniation is usually conservative and may include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and rest. Treatment may also be recommended by the doctor. Most people who have these treatments return to their normal activities. Some people may need more treatment. In severe cases, steroid injections or surgery may be applied. Some of the methods used in the treatment of cervical disc hernia are:

• Drug treatment: Some medications may be prescribed by the doctor to reduce pain and inflammation. Some of these medications may be nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or pain relievers.
• Physiotherapy: One of the methods used in the treatment of cervical disc herniation is physical therapy applications. Physical therapy practices can be applied to strengthen the patient’s neck muscles and increase muscle and tissue flexibility.
• Injection treatments: In some cases, the doctor may request injection therapy. Steroid injections or local anesthetics can be applied directly to the nerve roots to help relieve pain and inflammation.
• Surgical intervention: In patients with serious cervical disc herniation and severe symptoms, the doctor may prefer surgical intervention. This decision can be made by mutual discussion between the patient and the doctor. Surgical options include procedures such as discectomy (removal of the herniated disc), microdiscectomy (minimally invasive disc surgery), disc decompression and neck fusion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cervical disc herniation can often be seen due to reasons such as old age, damage to the neck area, and long-term incorrect postures. If left untreated, it may cause discomfort to people and symptoms may progress.

What are the possible complications of cervical disc herniation?

Cervical disc herniation can cause potential complications that can lead to serious problems. Some of the risks of these complications include:

• Long-term back pain or leg pain
• Loss of movement or feeling in the legs or feet
• Headache and stiff neck
• Rarely, permanent spinal cord injury

Does Cervical Disc Herniation Recur?

Cervical disc herniation may recur in certain cases. Symptoms may reoccur in the patient as a result of herniated discs putting pressure on the vertebral nerves again.

Cervical disc herniation is a disorder that negatively affects people’s daily lives. If left undiagnosed and treated, symptoms may worsen over time. If symptoms of cervical disc herniation occur, people can start treatment by making an appointment at the hospital’s general surgery clinic.