Herniated Disc in Neck

The neck is that part of the human body which experiences a lot of stress, due to its constant movement along with bearing the weight of the head. Herniated disc in neck is one of the most likely causes of spinal column disorder. What is herniated disc in neck and what are its symptoms and treatment options? Here's the answer.

What is Herniated Disc in Neck?
The bones (vertebrae) that form the spine in our back have a cushion of round and flat discs. These discs act as shock absorbers for our spine and give it the required flexibility. When these discs get damaged due to injury or degenerative back pain processes, they bulge abnormally, or rupture (break open). This disc is called a herniated or slipped disc. The seven vertebrae between the head and the chest make up the spine and herniated discs can occur in any part of the spine, but herniated disc in neck (cervical) and lower back (lumbar) spine are the most common.

Herniated Disc in Neck: Symptoms
Herniated disc symptoms most commonly include neck pain or numbness in the neck. When pressure is placed on a nerve in the neck, it leads to pain in the muscles between the neck and the shoulder and this pain may shoot down the arm as well. You may experience weakness in the neck, shoulders, chest, arms, and hands due to this. Tingling sensation or numbness in one arm is another symptom of herniated disc in neck. Weakness in both arms or legs is a serious problem and you must immediately consult your doctor. You may also experience pain in back of the head. Loss of bladder or bowel control and burning pain in the shoulders, neck or arm are some other symptoms of herniated disc in neck. More on herniated disc: symptoms and treatment.

For the right diagnosis your orthopedic doctor may recommend a simple X-ray, or an magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or CT (computed tomography) to confirm which nerve is injured and electromyography to measure the nerve impulse.

Herniated Disc in Neck: Treatment
Most of the time herniated disc is first treated with nonsurgical treatments which include rest, modified activities, exercises along with muscle relaxers, analgesics, and anti-inflammatory medicines to relieve the pain and inflammation. Your doctor may also recommend physiotherapy or non-surgical spinal decompression, which are amongst the most effective herniated disc treatments. Cold compresses or ice can also be applied to your neck several times a day for relief, but it should not be applied for more than 20 minutes at a time. Physical activities should be performed carefully and slowly. You can go for short walks and do herniated disc exercises as recommended by your doctor. Also, avoid sitting at the same place for long hours. Herniated disc therapies also help to provide some relief. More on spinal decompression.

Also, epidural injections that may lessen nerve irritation and allow more effective participation in physical therapy are recommended. These injections might be given over a period of weeks. In case the symptoms don't improve and the herniated disc in neck is squeezing your spinal cord or nerves and you continue to experience weakness and constant pain, then surgery will be considered. Remember, herniated disc surgery should be considered only in extreme cases.

You must be careful while you indulge in any minor or major physical activities. Also you must pay attention to your entire body posture while sitting and sleeping in order to get herniated disc relief and to avoid occurrence of this problem. You must always seek non-surgical treatment options before you think of surgery as an option to treat herniated disc in neck.