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Spine Conditions

Cervical Herniated Disc

A cervical herniated disc is a common cause of neck pain in adults, usually between the ages of 35 and 50. Research reports that about 25% of people without symptoms under age 40 and about 60% of those over age 40 have some degree of degenerative disc disease. Herniations affect the discs in the cervical spine. The severity can range from mild to severe. A herniated cervical disc may also be called a ruptured disc or a slipped disc.

There are seven cervical vertebrae. The cervical spine extends from the base of the skull, C1 (atlas) through C7. Between the vertebrae are intervertebral discs that act as shock absorbers and allow neck flexibility and movement. They stabilize the neck and allow it to move smoothly from side to side.

Cervical nerve roots are the sensory and motor nerves that originate from the spinal cord in the neck region (cervical spine) and branch out to supply the neck, arms, and upper torso. They transmit sensory information and motor signals between the brain and the arms, shoulders, and upper torso.

A cervical herniated disc is a cartilage structure composed of an inner gel-like center of the disc (nucleus pulposus) and the outer fibrous ring (annulus fibrosus). A herniated disc occurs when the nucleus pulposus breaks through the fibrous ring due to a tear or rupture, leading to displacement that can compress and irritate nearby nerve roots or the spinal cord.

A cervical herniated disc is a cartilage structure composed of an inner gel-like center of the disc (nucleus pulposus) and the outer fibrous ring (annulus fibrosus). A herniated disc occurs when the nucleus pulposus breaks through the fibrous ring due to a tear or rupture, leading to displacement that can compress and irritate nearby nerve roots or the spinal cord.

Causes include:

  1. Age-related degeneration: As people age, with wear and tear, their intervertebral discs lose hydration and elasticity, making them less flexible and more susceptible to tearing.
  2. Trauma: A sudden, forceful movement can cause a herniated disc.
  3. Physical strain: Heavy lifting or twisting of the upper body can cause pressure on the cervical spine, leading to disc herniation.
  4. Repetitive activities: Activities that strain the neck and spine continuously, such as certain sports or occupational tasks, can increase the risk.
  5. Genetic predisposition: Some individuals may have a genetic tendency toward developing disc problems.

A herniation can occur acutely or more chronically.

  • Chronic herniations occur when the disc degenerates and dries out as part of the natural aging process. Symptoms tend to develop gradually and are less severe.
  • Acute herniations are usually the result of trauma, causing the inner gel-like center to squeeze out through a defect in the tough outer covering.

Symptoms of a cervical herniated disc can vary depending on the location of the herniation and whether a nerve root or the spinal cord is compressed. Common symptoms include:

  • Neck pain may be the first symptom and can range from mild to severe.
  • Radiating pain: Pain can spread (radiate) into the shoulders, arms, hands, and fingers, often on one side of the body. Sometimes, electrical shock symptoms can travel down the spine and into the legs.
  • Numbness or tingling: If the disc presses on a nerve root, numbness and tingling can occur in the shoulders or arms and may run down to the fingers.
  • Weakness: Muscle weakness in the shoulders, arms, hands, or fingers can make it difficult to grasp items or perform tasks.
  • Difficulty with coordination: Severe cases involving spinal cord compression can lead to difficulty walking, stumbling, loss of balance, or using the hands or arms. Dexterity and fine motor use of the hands and fingers may be affected.

 

Dr. Hieu Ball will review your medical history and inquire about your symptoms and when they began. He will then perform a physical examination assessing your range of motion and employ special tests to diagnose nerve root compression. He will also perform a neurological exam to evaluate sensory disturbances, weakness, and tendon reflexes.

If the complaint indicates an acute injury, Dr. Ball may decide to allow up to a month to see if the acute pain and injury resolve without treatment. However, that is only if there is no concern about serious injury or neurological compromise. If so, imaging will be necessary to identify serious injury or neurological compromise. Imaging will include X-rays to assess spinal alignment and to view degenerative changes, and possibly an MRI scan.

Contact Dr. Hieu Ball to schedule a consultation at his San Ramon. He offers a full range of treatments for neck pain. Dr. Ball offers state-of-the-art patient-centered care for patients with neck, mid-back, and low-back problems. He received his orthopedic and spine surgery residency and fellowship training at Harvard Medical School and UCLA-affiliated institutions. Education included training at Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and Boston Children’s Hospital. Dr. Ball is a double fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon. He received a pediatric spine fellowship at Boston Children’s Hospital and a second adult spine fellowship at UCLA. Dr. Ball offers minimally invasive spine care, and many procedures often may be performed on an outpatient basis in an ambulatory surgical center setting.

References

  • https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/what-is-a-herniated-cervical-disk
  • Shark S, Al Khalili Y. Cervical Disc Herniation. [Updated 2023 Aug 28]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546618/
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Dr. Hieu Ball

  • Double fellowship-trained orthopedic
  • Orthopedic surgery residency at Harvard Medical School
  • Over 20 years of spine surgery experience
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