If you are diagnosed with a herniated disc in your neck, it means a portion of the gel-like inner material at the center of an intervertebral disc has leaked into the spinal canal through a tear in the disc’s outer wall. While this condition is far more prevalent in the lower back, the discs within the cervical (neck) region also are exposed to a great deal of stress-inducing motion over the years and can begin to wear down over time. Most people with the condition experience only a mild-to-severe ache or twinge at the area where the disc’s outer wall is torn. However, if the extruded disc material begins to compress the spinal cord or an adjacent cervical nerve root, it can produce pain, tingling, numbness, and/or muscle weakness in the neck, shoulders, arms, hands, and fingers. Chronic headaches are another possible symptom.

Symptomatic Areas Depend on the Location of Nerve Compression

The area of the body affected by nerve-related symptoms is determined by the location of the herniated disc within the neck. There are seven cervical vertebrae, denoted C1-C7. All but the C1 and C2 vertebrae are separated and cushioned by intervertebral discs, which have a soft inner portion (nucleus pulposus) and a tough outer wall (annulus fibrosus). Adjacent to the discs are sets of nerve roots, which branch off the spinal cord on either side. The cervical nerve roots are denoted based on which discs are directly above and below. For example, the nerve roots located between the fourth and fifth cervical vertebrae are denoted C4-5.

Each set of nerve roots innervates a different part of the upper body. Compression at each level produces symptoms in the area innervated by the affected nerve root, as listed below:

– C4-5 – weakness and a loss of sensation in the outer shoulder muscles

– C5-6 – weakness in the biceps muscles, loss of reflex in the biceps, and a loss of sensation in the outside of the arm, in the thumb, and in the index finger

– C6-7 – diminished function in the triceps muscle and wrist extenders, loss of reflex in the triceps, and loss of sensation in the middle finger

– C7-T1 (between the end of the cervical spine and the beginning of the thoracic spine) – diminished ability to grip with the hand and in the wrist flexors, and loss of sensation in the ring finger and pinkie finger

Managing Symptoms of a Herniated Disc in the Neck

If you experience any of the symptoms listed above for a week or longer, see your doctor. If you are diagnosed with a herniated disc, chances are you will be able to manage your symptoms with a regimen of conservative treatment that may include pain medication, hot/cold therapy, exercise, corticosteroid injections, and other methods. About 90 percent of herniated disc patients are able to manage their symptoms using nonsurgical methods. If chronic symptoms persist for several weeks or months, it may be time to ask your doctor about your surgical options.

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://www.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