Cervical Herniated Discs

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Cervical herniated discs are a leading cause of neck pain^[1], and their prevalence increases with age. A cervical disc herniation occurs when a disc in the neck region of the spine slips or ruptures, pressing on nearby nerves in the spinal cord. Symptoms include neck pain, radiating pain, numbness, and tingling. Without treatment, herniated cervical discs can lead to chronic pain, diminished quality of life, and disability.

At Compass Pain and Wellness, we understand that each patient’s experience with cervical herniated discs is unique. Our personalized approach ensures that every person can benefit from a treatment plan entirely tailored to their specific symptoms and needs. This empowers you to explore the best options for restoring your neck health and improving your quality of life.

Understanding How A Herniated Cervical Disc Occurs

Cervical discs are “cushions” of cartilage located between the vertebrae—or spinal bones—in the neck area. They play a crucial role in absorbing shock and allowing flexibility in the spine. Each disc is composed of two main parts:

Annulus fibrosus: The ring-shaped, tougher exterior of the disc.
Nucleus pulposus: The soft, jelly-like core inside the disc.

A herniated cervical disc occurs when the nucleus pulposus pushes through a tear or weak spot in the outer ring, or annulus fibrosus. This herniation can result in the gel-like substance at the core protruding or bulging outward.

As the core escapes its normal position, it can press on spinal nerves or the spinal cord itself. This pressure can lead to pain, numbness, or weakness in the neck. Depending on the nerves affected, the symptoms can radiate to the shoulders, arms, and hands. Herniation in the cervical spine might develop gradually over time or occur suddenly if caused by trauma.

Exploring The Cervical Region

The cervical region refers to the upper segment of the spine, consisting of seven vertebrae categorized as C1 through C7. These vertebrae support the skull, allow head movements, and protect the spinal cord. The cervical section of the spine begins at the base of the skull and extends through the neck.

Key components of the cervical spine include:

Neck muscles and ligaments: These support the cervical region, providing stability and enabling movements such as nodding and turning the head.
Spinal cord and nerves: The spinal cord, running through the spine, is a major pathway for signals between the brain and the body. Nerves branching out from the cervical spine control sensation and movement in the neck and arms.
Connection to the lumbar region: The spine works as a single, integrated system. So, the cervical region does not work in isolation. Instead, it connects with the thoracic spine and further down into the lumbar spine. Because of this, issues in the cervical area can influence the entire spinal structure and affect posture and mobility. For example, a 2019 study^[2] shows that instability in the neck can contribute to the narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis) in the low back or lumbar spine.

According to some 2015 research^[3], the cervical section can be considered the most important segment of the spine. The nerve roots that stem from this spinal section provide motor function and sensation in the chest, head, upper limbs, and diaphragm. These nerves also control the muscles in the lungs. Because this part of the spine is so important, injuries or diseases in this area can be highly impactful and life-altering.

Recognizing Signs And Symptoms

Every person with a cervical herniated disc has a different experience. A study published in 2015^[4] reports that asymptomatic disc herniation is found in 37% of those aged 20, and it rises significantly to 96% by the age of 80.

When herniation causes symptoms, these often include pain, numbness, tingling, and restricted range of motion. These symptoms can be localized around the disc affected by herniation or radiate to other areas of the body if the nerves responsible for providing sensation and motor function to these areas become compressed.

Below are some of the typical symptoms of a herniated disc in the neck.

Neck Pain

Neck pain can result from tension, disc problems, or nerve issues, often causing stiffness and radiating discomfort.

Muscle Weakness

Muscle weakness may stem from nerve, muscle, or joint issues, making movement and activity more difficult.

Radiating Nerve Pain

Radiating nerve pain from compression or damage may cause tingling, weakness, or numbness in the limbs.

Crepitus

Crepitus is a grinding or popping in a joint, often linked to cartilage wear, arthritis, or instability.

Loss Of Sensation In The Upper Body

Loss of sensation in the upper body may signal nerve damage, affecting coordination and daily function.

Pain With Movement

Pain with movement may stem from joint, nerve, or muscle issues, making activity more difficult.

Localized Pain

Localized pain in one area may result from injury, inflammation, or nerve issues, impacting movement.

Tingling And Numbness

Restricted range of motion may result from stiffness, inflammation, or damage, making movement difficult.

Muscle Spasms

Muscle spasms are sudden contractions from nerve issues, dehydration, or fatigue, causing pain and stiffness.

Radiating Arm Pain

Radiating arm pain may stem from nerve compression, causing tingling, weakness, or numbness down the arm.

Restricted Range Of Motion

Difficulty moving the neck, back, or affected limbs due to pain or stiffness.

Leading Factors That Cause Herniation In The Cervical Disc

A herniated disc in the cervical spine can affect anyone, at any stage of life. However, estimations^[1] suggest that it is more common in adults aged between 50 and 60, and it affects women more frequently. Certain variables, such as genetic predisposition, age, and lifestyle factors can increase the risk. Typically, a herniated disc in the neck is the result of a combination of causes and risk factors.

Disc Degeneration

Disc degeneration is a natural aging process in which cervical discs lose hydration and flexibility over time. As the discs dry out, they become less effective in absorbing shock, making them more susceptible to wear and tear. Thinning discs also expose nearby components of the spine, like the vertebrae and ligaments, to friction damage, irritation, and inflammation.

This degeneration can weaken the outer ring of the disc, the annulus fibrosus, increasing the risk of herniation. Degenerative changes in the spinal structure have been recognized as a leading cause of neck pain, alongside work-related factors, poor posture, sleep problems, and mental health conditions, including chronic stress, anxiety, and depression.

Excessive Strain

Repetitive or intense physical activities, including heavy lifting, improper posture, or repetitive neck movements, can place undue stress on the cervical spine. Over time, this increased pressure can speed up the disc’s degeneration and cause small tears in the annulus fibrosus, making it more vulnerable to tearing and herniation.

Tear In The Disc

A tear in the disc’s annulus fibrosus can be small or large, and it often results from repeated stress, age-related degeneration, or sudden force. When a tear occurs, it allows the nucleus pulposus to bulge or protrude, leading to a herniated disc.

Severe Neck Movement

Sudden and forceful neck movements, particularly those involving abrupt twists, bends, or overstretched positions, can lead to cervical herniated discs. These movements can strain or overstress the spinal discs, causing the annulus fibrosus to weaken or crack.

When this outer layer gives way, the nucleus pulposus can herniate, placing pressure on nerves.

How A Herniated Cervical Disc Is Diagnosed

Herniated cervical discs are not always easy to diagnose. They are often asymptomatic and, when they do cause symptoms, the pain or numbness may be felt away from the area affected. Because of this, accurately diagnosing a cervical herniated disc involves a comprehensive approach by a specialized physician. An accurate diagnosis is critical to guide treatment decisions.

Several diagnostic tools may be used to rule out other possible causes of pain, such as arthritis or cervical spondylosis. These include:

Physical examination: During the physical exam, the healthcare provider assesses neck motion, muscle strength, reflexes, and sensory function. They may ask you to perform specific movements to pinpoint pain areas and determine if there are any signs of nerve compression. This initial step helps the provider understand your symptoms and detect potential complications, such as nerve implication or muscle weakness. A physical examination is often accompanied by a review of your medical history, necessary to take into account previous spinal injuries or inherited conditions that may increase the risk of herniation, such as being born with thinner intervertebral discs.
Imaging tests (X-rays and MRIs): Imaging plays a crucial role in visualizing the cervical spine’s structure. X-rays help rule out bone abnormalities, such as fractures or tumors, but may not reveal herniated discs. On the other hand, MRIs provide detailed images of soft tissues, allowing physicians to clearly visualize disc herniation and nerve compression. This imaging helps determine the severity and exact location of the herniated disc.
Nerve conduction studies: These tests examine electrical activity in the nerves and muscles. They are used to identify nerve damage or dysfunction. By measuring how nerves conduct electrical signals, physicians can assess the impact of a herniated disc on nerve function. This study helps better understand the degree of nerve involvement, identify specific nerves affected, and guide treatment decisions.

Potential Complications Of Leaving A Cervical Herniated Disc Untreated

Neglecting a cervical herniated disc can lead to severe complications, including chronic herniation and pain, reduced mobility, and permanent nerve damage. These complications can impact daily activities and reduce your quality of life in the long term.

Common complications include:

Chronic neck pain: Untreated herniated discs can lead to persistent neck pain as continuous pressure on nerves and surrounding tissues. This can cause ongoing pain and inflammation, and increase the risk of repeated herniation. Over time, this chronic pain may become harder to manage and disrupt daily activities.
Nerve compression: Prolonged pressure from the herniated disc can cause severe nerve compression. This can worsen neurological symptoms and compromise nerve function, which causes pain, numbness, and tingling to progress.
Arm and hand numbness or weakness: Persistent nerve pressure may lead to increased numbness and weakness in the arms and hands. This occurs when signals between the cervical spinal nerves and the upper limbs become disrupted. Over time, these symptoms can worsen, making activities like grabbing objects difficult and causing disabilities.
Reduced range of motion: Ongoing inflammation and nerve irritation can stiffen neck muscles and cause swelling, limiting flexibility and movement. Without treatment, this reduced range of motion can become a long-term issue.
Muscle atrophy: When the nerves in the neck are compressed for a long time, you may lose control over the muscles that are served by these nerves, such as the arm or hand. Reduced use and inadequate innervation can cause a loss of muscle mass, which leads to weakness and eventual atrophy. This means the muscles shrink and lose strength, affecting arm function.
Spinal cord compression: In severe cases, untreated herniated discs can compress the spinal cord, potentially leading to serious neurological problems. This condition is referred to as cervical myelopathy, and it is estimated^[6] to affect up to 5% of people older than 40. It can cause life-altering symptoms such as loss of fine motor skills and coordination and problems with balance and walking.
Balance issues: Spinal cord compression can interfere with balance and coordination, increasing the risk of falls and injury.
Potential permanent nerve damage: Prolonged nerve compression can lead to irreversible nerve damage, resulting in permanent loss of sensation or motor function in the affected areas.

A 2015 study^[7] also found that individuals with herniated discs in the neck or low back are at higher risk of developing mood and anxiety disorders, due to the ongoing pain and reduced quality of life.

We Provide Evidence-Based Treatments For Cervical Herniated Discs

At Compass Pain and Wellness, our approach to treating herniated cervical discs is personalized and centered around your experience. We believe in empowering each individual to regain their neck health by crafting tailored treatment plans that address their unique needs and wants.

Our multidisciplinary team is here to support you throughout your recovery journey, leveraging advanced, evidence-based approaches and customizing care based on progress and feedback. Through our layered and tailored approach, we ensure each patient can choose the best path to long-term wellness.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture stimulates targeted points on the body to reduce pain, support healing, and restore energy balance.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care improves spinal alignment and joint function to reduce pain and enhance physical mobility.

Epidural Steroid Injection

Epidural steroid injections reduce spinal inflammation to ease pain radiating from nerve compression or irritation.

Massage

Massage therapy eases muscle tension and improves circulation to support pain relief and overall well-being.

Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness and meditation help manage chronic pain by reducing stress and promoting emotional resilience.

Nerve Block

Nerve blocks interrupt pain signals from specific nerves to reduce chronic or procedure-related discomfort.

Peripheral Nerve Stimulation

Peripheral nerve stimulation sends mild electrical signals to disrupt chronic pain from damaged peripheral nerves.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy improves strength, flexibility, and mobility while addressing pain from injury or chronic conditions.

Spinal Cord Stimulation

Spinal cord stimulation delivers electrical pulses to block nerve pain and reduce discomfort in the back or limbs.

Trigger Point Injections

Trigger point injections treat muscle knots by relaxing tense tissue and relieving localized pain or stiffness.

Medication Therapy

Medication therapy uses tailored prescriptions to reduce chronic pain and improve daily function and comfort.

Common Injuries That May Lead To A Cervical Herniated Disc

A cervical herniated disc occurs when the soft inner material of a spinal disc in the neck pushes through its tough outer layer, often due to injury or wear and tear. Trauma to the neck can accelerate disc degeneration, cause sudden damage, or put excessive strain on the cervical spine, leading to pain, stiffness, numbness, or weakness. Below are common injuries that may contribute to this condition:

Whiplash After a Car Accident: A sudden back-and-forth motion of the neck, commonly caused by rear-end collisions, can strain or tear ligaments and put pressure on cervical discs, increasing the risk of herniation.
Neck Injury After a Car Accident: Direct trauma to the neck from impact or sudden force can compress spinal discs, making them more susceptible to bulging or herniation over time.
Spinal Cord Injury from a Car Accident: Severe trauma to the cervical spine can damage both the discs and spinal cord, leading to pain, nerve compression, and potential long-term mobility issues.
Neck Sprain from a Car Accident: Overextension or overstretching of the neck muscles and ligaments can weaken spinal support, making the cervical discs more vulnerable to herniation.

Our Providers

Meet our experienced and compassionate team of doctors who specialize in helping you manage your condition. With a patient-centered approach, our doctors work to understand your unique needs and provide compassionate, personalized care. Trust our providers to guide you on your journey to better health and improved well-being.

Dr. Kristi Reed, MD

Dr. Randolph Cribbs, MD

Dr. Carl Balog, MD

References

Contact Compass Pain and Wellness today to schedule your consultation and explore treatment options that can enhance your quality of life despite a cervical herniated disc!

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