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Robert Moghim MD

Anchor Healthcare

Cervical Disc Herniation

1746884587

Cervical disc herniation occurs when a neck disc becomes damaged and its inner portion bulges out, pressing on nearby nerves. Often caused by age-related wear, injuries, strain, or poor posture, it can lead to pain, numbness, and weakness in the neck, shoulders, arms, or hands. Diagnosis is made through a physical exam and confirmed with imaging tests like MRI or CT scans.

Symptoms vary depending on which nerves are affected:

- Neck and Shoulder Pain: Pain and stiffness in the neck, sometimes spreading to shoulders. - Arm and Hand Symptoms: Tingling, numbness, or weakness in fingers or arm areas. - Limited Mobility: Difficulty moving the neck due to pain and stiffness.

Treatment starts with non-surgical options to relieve pain and restore function. Physical therapy can improve posture, strengthen neck muscles, and reduce nerve pressure. Anti-inflammatory medications help control pain and swelling. If symptoms persist, epidural steroid injections may offer longer relief. In severe cases, surgery like discectomy or cervical fusion may be needed to remove or repair the damaged disc.

Preventative measures include avoiding heavy lifting, maintaining good posture, and minimizing repetitive strain to reduce stress on the spine. Many people improve with treatment, and early intervention is crucial to prevent nerve damage and worsening symptoms.

Beyond standard treatments, regenerative medicine therapies like PRP injections may help reduce inflammation and aid healing.

If you have persistent neck pain, tingling, or weakness, early treatment can improve recovery. Talk to our team for the best treatment plan.

FAQs

Can cervical disc herniation be prevented?

Preventative measures include maintaining good posture, avoiding heavy lifting, and minimizing repetitive strain to reduce stress on the spine. These practices can help prevent the development of cervical disc herniation and protect against further damage.

How is cervical disc herniation diagnosed?

Doctors diagnose cervical disc herniation through a combination of physical examinations and imaging tests. Physicians often perform tests to assess muscle strength and reflexes, followed by MRI or CT scans to confirm herniation and nerve compression.

What are the common symptoms of cervical disc herniation?

Symptoms vary depending on the affected nerves but commonly include neck pain and stiffness, shoulder discomfort, tingling, numbness or weakness in the arms or hands, and limited neck mobility.

What is cervical disc herniation and what causes it?

Cervical disc herniation occurs when a disc in the neck is damaged, causing the inner portion to bulge out and press on nearby nerves. This condition is often caused by age-related wear and tear, injuries, strains, or poor posture.

What treatment options are available for cervical disc herniation?

Treatment typically begins with non-surgical approaches such as physical therapy, which improves posture and neck strength, and anti-inflammatory medications to alleviate pain and swelling. Epidural steroid injections may be used for longer relief, while surgery, including discectomy or cervical fusion, is considered for severe cases.