A herniated disc is a quite common condition and people aged 35 to 55 years are at a higher risk of developing it. It is one of the important conditions of the spine that causes chronic back pain. A herniated disc affects the intervertebral discs that are located in between the different vertebrae. If left untreated, a herniated disc may develop into a more severe condition, affecting a person’s ability to move and perform the simplest tasks.
What is a Herniated Disc in the Neck?
A herniated disc is basically a slipped disc or ruptured disc. Disc herniation is a process wherein the degeneration of the disc results in the soft inner gel-like material leaking into the spinal canal. On reaching the spinal canal, the gel then exerts pressure on the nearby nerve. This leads to pain radiating down the nerve, causing pain in the neck/back/arm/leg, even resulting in conditions like sciatica.
When spinal discs in the neck region become herniated, they are referred to as cervical herniated discs.
Common Symptoms
Some of the common symptoms of a herniated disc in the neck include:
- Mild to severe neck or back pain
- Pain, weakness/numbness or tingling sensation in the neck, shoulder, back, arms and legs
- Having issues maintaining balance and coordination while walking
Causes
A herniated disc in the neck is often caused by:
- Age-related wear and tear of discs
- Incorrect posture for a long period of time
- Sudden awkward movement leading to strain and damaged disc
- Injury or trauma to the disc
- Family history of a herniated disc in the neck
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of a herniated disc in the neck is generally made by assessing past medical history, conducting a physical examination of the neck, arms and lower body and with diagnostic tests like X-rays, MRI, CT scans, etc.
Treatment
Conservative treatment options include lifestyle changes like avoiding awkward neck positions. Physical therapy and non-surgical spinal decompression treatment can also help treat a herniated disc in the neck without having to undergo surgery.
- Lifestyle changes: Refrain from painful neck or back positions and perform regular exercise. Maintaining an appropriate posture and healthy body weight can also help alleviate the symptoms of a herniated disc in the neck.
- Physical therapy: Specialised stretching and strengthening exercises designed as per the severity of your neck condition can help reduce the pain.
- Non-surgical spinal decompression: This advanced treatment encourages healing of the spinal discs by reducing the excess pressure on them.
