Degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine typically develops in the aging population equally in terms of sexes.
There are many ways in which this can affect your day-to-day life. It may even make you consider surgery as an option. But how do you know when to seek help?
Check out this guide to learn more about cervical disc herniation symptoms and treatment.
What Are the Causes?
Cervical herniated disc causes consist of a variety of different origins, most of which are linked to age and lifestyle. As we age, the discs between the vertebrae in our necks begin to weaken and wear out, leading to disc herniation.
Improper movement and posture while doing the following includes:
- Sleeping
- Sitting
- Standing
These can also exacerbate stress and strain on the discs, causing them to bulge or rupture and leading to herniation. Regular heavy lifting, poor ergonomics, sports injuries, and even whiplash can all cause disc inflammation and herniation.
In addition, medical conditions, congenital issues, bone spur growth, and genetic predispositions can also increase the risk of cervical disc herniation and neck injury.
Knowing the Symptoms
Cervical disc herniation symptoms can vary in severity and can be very painful. People with a herniated disc in their neck may experience arm or neck pain that radiates down to their chest or shoulder.
Also, you can experience numbness or tingling in the arm, or a “pins and needles” sensation down the arm. Muscle weakness in the neck and arm can also be an indication of a cervical disc herniation.
Some individuals may even experience a decrease in grip strength, and headaches that originate from the neck. Generally, these symptoms create difficulty in moving the neck, shoulder, and arm.
Furthermore, it can be hard to identify the exact location of the pain, as it can be difficult to determine if it’s due to muscular tension or the herniated disc itself.
Getting the Right Treatment
Cervical disc herniation treatment focuses on relieving pain and other symptoms associated with herniated discs in the neck. This can be done through non-surgical treatments, such as
- Physical Therapy
- Anti-inflammatory Medications
- Epidural Steroid Injections
- Cervical Traction
Surgery is generally a last resort option and should be discussed with a qualified spine specialist. It is typically requested if the pain is intense, does not improve with other therapies, or leads to numbness or weakness.
Many people find improvement from treatment and can often avoid surgery. Various treatments are available and should be discussed with a specialist or at your family chiropractic clinic to determine the best course of action.
Everything You Need to Know About Cervical Disc Herniation
Cervical disc herniation can be intimidating and quite serious. Although it can lead to serious medical issues, fortunately, most cases can be successfully treated with pain control and physical therapy.
Contact your doctor for specialized treatment and find resources to develop a better understanding of your health. Don’t be afraid to become your own advocate!
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