A cervical herniated disc refers to a problem involving one of the discs in the neck.

The discs are made of soft cartilage material that can weaken or rupture, causing the cartilage to protrude and put pressure on the nerves or spinal cord.

Common causes of cervical disc herniation include genetic factors, disc degeneration, repetitive bending and twisting motions that put stress on the discs, repetitive stress injuries caused by heavy lifting and overhead motions, and sudden falls or trauma.

Vehicle accidents, especially those involving a sudden change in speed, often cause cervical disc herniation. When the head is quickly or violently whipped around, tremendous force is placed on the neck and may cause the disc material to bulge outward.

Cervical disc injuries may affect the back of the head, neck, shoulder blade, arm and hand, often causing mild to severe pain. Other symptoms include:

• Neck pain that radiates to the arm and hand
• Numbness and tingling in the arm
• Weakened reflexes in the upper extremities
• Muscle spasms
• Headaches
• Loss of motion, such as difficulty moving the head and neck

If a cervical herniated disc is suspected, the cervical spine specialists at Lancaster Orthopedic Group will diagnose the condition and explore all of your treatment options, from new medications and outpatient therapy to options for surgical intervention.

In mild cases, conservative treatments include rest, ice, and medication to reduce the pain. Stretching and stabilization exercises can help to prevent reoccurrence of the injury. If the symptoms do not respond to conservative care, surgical treatment of the cervical herniated disc can provide excellent results.