Herniated Cervical Disc (Cervical Radiculopathy)

A herniated cervical disc occurs when the soft center of a cushion between your neck vertebrae ruptures through its tough outer ring. This protrusion presses on nearby spinal nerves, causing inflammation, pain, and sensory changes down the shoulder, arm, and hand.

Symptoms

• Radiating Arm Pain: Sharp, electric, or burning pain traveling from the neck into the shoulder, arm, or fingers.
• Numbness & Tingling: "Pins and needles" sensations in the arm or hand.
• Muscle Weakness: Decreased strength when lifting, gripping, or performing daily tasks.
• Neck Pain & Stiffness: Aching neck pain that worsens when turning or bending your head.

Causes

• Wear & Tear: Natural age-related disc degeneration and loss of flexibility.
• Trauma: Sudden injuries from car accidents, falls, or sports impacts.
• Strain: Heavy lifting, twisting, or repetitive neck strain over time.

Risk Factors

• Age: Most common between ages 30 and 50.
• Posture & Lifestyle: Prolonged "tech neck," sedentary habits, or heavy manual labor.
• Smoking: Restricts blood flow to spinal discs, accelerating breakdown.
• Genetics: Family history of spinal degeneration.

Diagnosis

Our Premier Orthopaedics spine specialists evaluate your condition using:

• Physical Exam: Assessing neck range of motion, reflexes, and arm strength.
• MRI / CT Scans: High-resolution imaging to visualize disc placement and nerve compression.
• EMG/Nerve Testing: Checking electrical signals to pinpoint exact nerve involvement.

Treatment

Non-Surgical Options (First-Line)

• Physical Therapy: Target exercises for posture, neck strength, and traction.
• Medications: Anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, or nerve pain medications.
• Epidural Steroid Injections: Guided cortisone injections to relieve severe inflammation.

Surgical Options

Recommended if non-surgical care doesn't bring relief after 6–8 weeks, or if severe weakness occurs:

• Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Fusion (ACDF) or Artificial Disc Replacement to relieve nerve pressure and restore stability.