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What
is cervical disc herniation?
The
bones (vertebrae) that form the spine in your back are cushioned by round, flat
discs. When these discs are healthy, they act as shock absorbers for the spine
and keep the spine flexible. If they become damaged, they may bulge abnormally
or break open (rupture), in what is called a herniated or slipped disc.
Herniated discs can occur in any part of the spine, but they are most common in
the neck (cervical) and lower back (lumbar) spine. The seven vertebrae between
the head and the chest make up the cervical spine. See a picture of the spine.
What
causes cervical disc herniation?
A
herniated disc usually is caused by wear and tear of the disc (also called disc
degeneration). As we age, our discs lose some of the fluid that helps them
maintain flexibility. A herniated disc also may result from injuries to the
spine, which may cause tiny tears or cracks in the outer layer (annulus or
capsule) of the disc. The jellylike material (nucleus) inside the disc may be
forced out through the tears or cracks in the capsule, which causes the disc to
bulge, break open (rupture), or break into fragments.
Herniated
discs are much more common in people who smoke. See a picture of a herniated
disc.
What
are the symptoms?
Herniated
discs in the neck (cervical spine) can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the
neck, shoulders, chest, arms, and hands. In some cases a very large herniated
disc in the neck may cause weakness or unusual tingling affecting other parts of
the body, including the legs.
How
is cervical disc herniation diagnosed?
A
doctor usually can diagnose a herniated disc from your history of symptoms and a
physical examination. Your doctor will ask about pain and numbness that might be
caused by irritation of one or more of the nerves in the cervical spine. If your
symptoms suggest a cervical herniated disc, rest and rehabilitation often are
recommended before further testing is done. If other conditions are suspected,
or if there is no improvement in symptoms after a period of rest and
rehabilitation, imaging tests such as X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI),
or computerized tomography (CT scan) may be done.
How
is it treated?
In
most cases, cervical herniated discs are first treated with nonsurgical
treatment, including rest or modified activities, medicines to relieve pain and
inflammation, and exercises, as recommended by your doctor. Sometimes the doctor
also recommends traction, which is gentle, steady pulling on the head to stretch
the neck and allow the small joints between the neck bones to spread a little.
Symptoms usually improve over time. But if the herniated disc is squeezing your
spinal cord or nerves and/or you are experiencing weakness and constant pain,
surgery (discectomy) will be considered.
Reference
from Healthwise
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