समझे Cervical Slip Disc /herniation

A cervical herniated disc can cause many different types of pain or no symptoms at all. The pain can range from an aching in the neck, arm, and/or hand to electric-like pain that radiates into these same areas. Sometimes arm or hand numbness or weakness may also be present. While a cervical herniated disc may originate from some sort of trauma or neck injury, the symptoms commonly start spontaneously.

Cervical herniated disc pain and related signs are typically felt in one arm or the other. Symptoms can vary depending on which disc has herniated and which nerve root has become pinched or inflamed. Rarely, the pain, tingling, numbness, and/or weakness can go into both arms or lower in the body if the spinal cord is affected. Loss of bowel and/or bladder control are also rare but possible outcomes.

Pain Management for a Cervical Herniated Disc

Neck and/or arm pain from a cervical herniated disc may be short-lived and only last for a few days, or it could become chronic and last for months or longer. It is common for the pain to come and go, or have particularly bad flare-ups during certain activities. When neck and/or arm pain stems from a herniated disc, the symptoms typically resolve completely within 4 to 6 months, even though the disc itself may not heal.

Most cases of cervical herniated disc pain can be successfully managed with nonsurgical treatments, such as over-the-counter pain medications, physical therapy to strengthen and stretch the neck, ice or heat packs, and/or activity modifications to avoid painful movements until the pain has subsided. Occasionally, oral steroids or an epidural or selective nerve root injection using x-ray guidance and contrast may be needed to help calm pain and advance rehabilitation.

How a Cervical Disc Herniates

There are 6 intervertebral discs in the cervical spine. Each cervical disc is situated between adjacent vertebrae (one above and one below) to cushion the vertebral bodies and help distribute loads from the neck and head above.

A herniated disc occurs when part or all of its protective outer layer tears and some of the nucleus pulposus leaks into the tear. A herniated disc typically causes the most pain when the nucleus pulposus, which contains inflammatory proteins, leaks out of the disc and onto a nearby nerve root. Less commonly, a herniated disc may leak onto the spinal cord.

Risk Factors for a Cervical Herniated Disc

The risk for developing a herniated disc tends to increase with age. Some estimates suggest that a cervical herniated disc is most likely to develop between ages 30 and 50. Most studies have found men to be at higher risk for a cervical herniated disc, but a recent study suggests women may be at higher risk.
The rate of cervical herniated discs occurring in the adult population has been estimated to be between 0.5% and 2%.Although, many cases of cervical herniated disc may go undiagnosed and estimates could vary by population.

When a Cervical Herniated Disc Is Serious

Rarely, a cervical herniated disc’s signs and symptoms may gradually feel worse rather than eventually stabilizing and resolving on its own. If a cervical nerve root remains pinched or inflamed, tingling, numbness, and/or weakness may progress in the arm. Similarly, if the spinal cord is compressed or inflamed by a cervical herniated disc, problems with walking, coordination, and/or reduced bladder or bowel control may be present. These types of neurological deficits require immediate medical attention to prevent them from worsening or becoming permanent.

Some common signs and symptoms of a cervical herniated disc include:

Neck pain. This pain is typically felt toward the back or side of the neck. It can range from a mild pain that feels tender when touched to a sharp or burning pain.


Radicular pain. This pain can radiate from a pinched nerve in the neck down through the shoulder, arm, hand, and/or fingers. It can sometimes feel hot or electric shock-like.


Cervical radiculopathy. A pinched nerve or nerve root inflammation may also cause numbness and/or weakness to radiate down into the shoulder, arm, hand, and/or fingers. Radicular pain may also accompany radiculopathy in some instances.


Symptoms worsen with specific head positions or activities. A herniated disc’s pain tends to flare-up and feel worse during activities, such while playing a sport or lifting a heavy weight. Certain head positions—such as twisting to one side or tilting the head forward—may also worsen the pain.

Neck stiffness. Pain and inflammation from a cervical herniated disc may restrict certain neck movements and reduce range of motion.

The specific pain patterns and neurological deficits are largely determined by the location of the herniated disc.