Cervical disc herniation is the common cause of neck pain in which a part of the intervertebral disc bulges into the spinal canal. It can compress a nerve exiting the spine or the spinal cord itself, or both. This occurs due to wear and tear which usually happens due to aging. Compression of the nerve exiting the spine due to disc herniation can lead to specific symptoms and known as radiculopathy and the compression of the spinal cord due to disc herniation can lead to specific symptoms which are collectively known as myelhyopat. Sometimes both the nerve exiting the spine and the spinal cord gets affected, leading to myeloradiculopathy.
Cervical Disc Herniation
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Signs and symptoms of Cervical herniated disc
- Neck pain
- Radicular pain (pain caused due to radiculopathy)- a Shooting or shock like pain radiating from the neck down to the hand
- Tingling or pins and needles sensation in the hands
- Neck stiffness
- Weakness of hand muscles
- Stiffness of legs
- Weakness of leg muscles
- Symptoms get worsened with specific head positions and activities
If you are diagnosed to have a cervical disc prolapse Consult a Spine Surgeon in Dubai for further evaluation and cervical spondylosis treatment.
Evaluation of Cervical Disc Herniation
Most cases of acute spinal injury or herniation get resolved in a few weeks without any intervention of imaging. Imaging is done if there is a suspicion of the presence of a serious pathogen or the patients who fail to respond to conservative treatments in 4-6 weeks require further detailed evaluation. The patients who observe major symptoms like the ones mentioned above require sudden evaluation through lab markers.
Lab markers
Your physician may order one or more of the following investigations depending on your symptoms
X-rays (AP, lateral, and oblique) help to assess the overall alignment of the spine as well as for the presence of any degenerative changes.
CT Scan imaging is the most sensitive to evaluate the bony structures of the spine. It also shows the calcified herniated discs or any process that led to the destruction or loss of the bones.
MRI/ Magnetic Resonance Imaging demonstrates the soft-tissue structures and the nerve as it exits the spine at each level.
Electrodiagnostic testing like electromyography and nerve conduction studies are needed occasionally if there is no correlation between your symptoms and the scan findings.
Treatment of the Cervical disc herniation
Conservative treatments
Acute cervical radiculopathies can be managed with non-surgical treatments most of the times if there is no weakness in the hands. These include-
Pharmacotherapy
Anti-inflammatory drugs, nerve pain killers like gabapentin and pregabalin, and muscle relaxants can help reduce the neck pain and radicular pain in the hands.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy is started after a short period of rest and immobilization. It includes a range of motion exercises, strengthening exercises, ice, heat, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation therapy.
Collar immobilization
In patients with acute neck pain, a week of collar immobilization may be beneficial during the acute inflammation process.
Interventional treatments
Interventional neck stiffness treatments include spinal steroid injections which are a great alternative to spine surgery. Usually, such epidural steroid injections are given under the guidance of x-rays or ultrasound or both. Sometimes, a CT scan be used to guide the placement of needle in the accurate place to inject steroids. Not all patient are candidates for injection and some patients may need surgery depending on the problems.
Cervical disc herniation surgery treatments
Indications for surgical procedures include severe or progressive neurological compromise and significant pain that is difficult to treat with the non-operative measures. Your Neurosurgeon in Dubai may advice one of the various surgical procedures like
- Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion
- Posterior foraminotomy
- Posterior laminectomy
- Cervical disc arthroplasty
If you have been advised to undergo surgery and if you aren’t sure whether you should go ahead or not, get a second opinion with an experienced disc herniation surgeon.
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Frequently asked questions
Quick answers before your visit — or call us anytime.
What are the symptoms of cervical disc herniation in the neck and when should I see a neurosurgeon?
Cervical disc herniation causes neck pain, shoulder pain, and arm pain, numbness, or tingling (radiculopathy). In severe cases, it can cause weakness in the hands or arms, or if the spinal cord is compressed (myelopathy), difficulty walking and balance problems. Consult a neurosurgeon if symptoms are severe or if you have signs of spinal cord compression.
What is the best sleeping position for cervical disc herniation pain at night?
Sleeping on your back with a cervical pillow that supports the natural curve of your neck is usually best. Side sleeping with a pillow that keeps your head level is also acceptable. Avoid sleeping on your stomach as it places strain on the cervical spine. A memory foam or contour pillow designed for cervical support can significantly reduce night pain.
Can cervical disc herniation be treated without surgery in Abu Dhabi?
Yes. The majority of cervical disc herniation cases resolve with conservative treatment including physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory medications, cervical traction, and epidural steroid injections. Surgery (ACDF or cervical disc replacement) is reserved for cases with persistent severe pain, nerve dysfunction, or spinal cord compression that does not respond to conservative care.
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