A herniated disc in the neck occurs when one of the intervertebral discs in the cervical spine ruptures, allowing the disc’s inner content to seep into the spinal canal. Those who suffer from the condition can experience localized pain that may range from moderate to severe. If the extruded disc material comes into contact with a nearby spinal nerve, pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness may radiate along the length of the affected spinal nerve. A number of treatment options are available for those who have been diagnosed with a herniated disc in the neck, the majority of which are nonsurgical. However, those who find little to no relief from the use of conservative treatments may be advised to consider undergoing surgery.

Diagnosing the Condition

The diagnostic process for a herniated disc in the neck is usually initiated by a patient who has consulted his or her physician regarding chronic pain in the neck and/or upper body. Although, a number of medical conditions can cause similar symptoms, sometimes making it difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of the patient’s discomfort. By utilizing certain techniques – including physical and neurological exams and diagnostic imaging – a physician should be able to determine whether the patient is suffering from a herniated disc in the neck or another condition. During the diagnostic process, patients should also be prepared to answer the following questions:

-What are your symptoms?

-How long have you been experiencing these symptoms?

-Do any activities either relieve or exacerbate your symptoms?

-Have you ever injured your spine?

-Do any members of your immediate family suffer from a spinal condition?

-Have you ever been diagnosed with any medical condition?

-And other questions that pertain to the individual’s overall level of health

Formulating a Treatment Regimen

Once a primary care physician or spine specialist has diagnosed a patient with a herniated disc in the neck, the next step will be to formulate a treatment regimen. Since each patient may experience slightly different symptoms in terms of location and severity, the treatment of a herniated disc will need to be customized for each individual. And, since one treatment may work for one patient but not for another, finding an effective regimen may require some trial and error. In general, though, most patients are able to nail down the best treatment plan for their particular symptoms within a matter of weeks.

Medication for Herniated Discs

In the initial stages of treatment for a herniated disc in the neck, most physicians will advise their patients to take over-the-counter medication. Depending on the patient’s overall level of health and any drug allergies or sensitivities he or she may have, the doctor will either recommend a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like ibuprofen or an analgesic like acetaminophen. In the case of severe or debilitating pain – or for those patients whose pain does not respond to over-the-counter medications – a narcotic pain reliever or muscle relaxant may be prescribed.

Lifestyle Modifications to Relieve Symptoms

For some patients, the best chance at relieving symptoms of a herniated disc in the neck lies in making certain lifestyle changes. This is especially true for individuals who are obese, as excess body weight places added strain on the spine, particularly the intervertebral discs. Plus, losing weight may help to relieve some of the pressure that is being placed on the compressed spinal nerve. Other lifestyle modifications that can help in the treatment of a herniated disc include:

-Quitting smoking

-Reducing alcohol consumption

-Eating a well-balanced diet

-Becoming more physically active

-Avoiding high-impact sports such as football and gymnastics

Physical Therapy for Chronic Neck and Back Pain

Working with a physical therapist can often prove beneficial for those who suffer from the chronic pain associated with a herniated disc in the neck. Physical therapy often entails performing strength building exercises in an effort to provide the spine with added support and stability. Other techniques can also be utilized, including transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), therapeutic ultrasound, massage therapy, cryotherapy, thermotherapy, and posture modification exercises, among others.

Alternative Therapies

Some patients choose to complement their doctor-recommended treatments with alternative therapies. Popular options include acupuncture, chiropractic manipulation, restorative yoga, and herbal supplements, among others. Patients should be sure to consult their physician before utilizing any type of alternative therapy so their conservative treatment regimen can be adjusted if necessary.

When to Consider Surgical Treatment

If a patient’s herniated disc symptoms fail to abate after following a conservative treatment regimen for several weeks or months, he or she may be advised to consider surgery. Before consenting to any surgery for a herniated disc in the neck, patients would be best served to seek a second or third opinion from a doctor or medical professional to ensure no other conservative treatments are available. If an operation is, in fact, warranted, patients may want to ask if they are a candidate for a minimally invasive alternative to open spine surgery.

Open Spine Surgeries v. Minimally Invasive Procedures

Open spine surgery is the traditional approach to surgical treatment for a herniated disc. This type of operation is performed either anteriorly through the patient’s throat or posteriorly through the back of the neck. An open spine surgery entails the complete removal of the herniated disc and the fusion of the adjoining vertebrae with bone graft material and various types of hardware. This permanently restricts the patient’s mobility in the affected vertebral segment. Rehabilitation from an open spine surgery is usually lengthy and demanding, and it may require physical therapy to strengthen the muscles in the neck and upper back.

Some patients are candidates for a minimally invasive procedure in lieu of an open spine surgery. This type of operation is performed on an outpatient basis, through an incision that is approximately one inch long. The surgeon carefully funnels a series of tubes – each with a slightly larger diameter than the last – through the incision. Once the surgeon has access to the patient’s herniated disc, he or she uses a laser to vaporize the extruded disc material, thereby removing the source of neural compression. The rupture in the outer wall of the herniated disc is then cauterized to prevent further expulsion of inner disc material. The surgical tools are carefully removed and a few sutures or surgical staples are used to close the incision. Some patients experience immediate relief following the procedure, though most will realize full results within a matter of weeks.

Want to Learn More?

If you have any questions about what it means to have a herniated disc in the neck, or would like more information about how the condition can be treated, please consult a primary care physician or spine specialist. He or she can provide individualized care that will address your specific needs, often making for a healthier – and speedier – recovery.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for the treatment of herniated discs and several other spinal conditions.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for herniated discs and several other spinal conditions. http://laserspineinstitute.com/herniated_disc/

Author Bio: Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for the treatment of herniated discs and several other spinal conditions.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: Herniated Disc Neck