Cervical Disc Herniation

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• A cervical disc is a sac filled with a gel-like material found between your vertebrae. Your vertebrae are the bones in your back that are linked together to form your spine. Your spine surrounds your spinal cord that contains your nerves. Your cervical discs and vertebrae are found in your neck. Your cervical vertebrae and discs help your spine support your head. Cervical disc herniation occurs when the gel-like material bulges out from between your vertebrae. A weak disc, injury, or cracked vertebrae may cause your disc to bulge. The bulging disc may press on your nerves or spinal cord. A herniated cervical disc may be painful and decrease your neck and arm movement.
  
  
• You may feel pain in your neck, arms, and upper back. Your arms and hands may be numb, or they may have a burning or tingling feeling. You may leak urine or stool (bowel movements). You may have trouble with your balance and your legs may feel weak. Your caregiver may do a physical exam, and you may need to rest for a few days. Imaging tests such as a computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and a myelogram may be needed. Treatment may include medicines, injections, physical therapy, and surgery. Having your cervical disc herniation treated may decrease your pain. You may be able to move and function in your daily life better. Treatment may also prevent your nerves or spinal cord from being permanently damaged.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Take your medicine as directed.

Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

• Muscle relaxers: This medicine helps relax your muscles. It is also given to decrease pain and muscle spasms.
  
  
• Pain medicine: You may need medicine to take away or decrease pain.
  
  
  • Learn how to take your medicine. Ask what medicine and how much you should take. Be sure you know how, when, and how often to take it.
    
    
  • Do not wait until the pain is severe before you take your medicine. Tell caregivers if your pain does not decrease.
    
    
  • Pain medicine can make you dizzy or sleepy. Prevent falls by calling someone when you get out of bed or if you need help.
  
  
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine (NSAIDs) may help decrease pain and inflammation (swelling). This medicine can be bought with or without a doctor's order. This medicine can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. Always read the medicine label and follow the directions on it before using this medicine.
  
  
• Steroid medicine: Steroid medicine may be given to decrease inflammation. Steroids can help a lot but may also have side effects. Be sure you know why you need steroids. Do not take more steroids than your caregiver says to take. Do not stop taking this medicine without your caregiver's OK. Taking too much steroids or stopping on your own can cause problems.

Follow-up visits:

You may need a follow-up visit so your caregiver can check your wound if you had surgery. You may need follow-up visits for neck injections to decrease your pain. You may also need a follow-up x-ray to check how your neck is doing. Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

Activity:

Your caregiver may have you rest in bed to prevent further injury to your neck. Ask your caregiver how long you should rest, and when you can return to your daily activities.

Acupuncture:

You caregiver may suggest you try acupuncture treatments. Acupuncture may help to decrease your neck pain. Ask your caregiver for more information about acupuncture.

Physical therapy:

A physical therapist works with you to make your neck muscles stronger and decrease your pain. A physical therapist may teach you exercises and stretches that help your neck and back. They may also use massage and other treatments to improve your functioning. With physical therapy, your muscles may be better able to support your spine.

Support devices:

You may need to wear a neck brace, or use a special pillow to support your neck. Support devices help decrease your neck movement and prevent more damage. Ask your caregiver for more information about support devices.

Quit smoking:

It is never too late to quit smoking. Smoking may decrease your ability to heal after treatments for your bulging disc. Smoking also harms your heart, lungs, and blood. You are more likely to have a heart attack, lung disease, and cancer if you smoke. You will help yourself and those around you by not smoking. Ask your caregiver for more information about how to stop smoking if you are having trouble quitting.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• Your pain gets worse even after taking your medicine.
  
  
• You have a fever (high body temperature).
  
  
• Your voice suddenly sounds rough or hoarse.
  
  
• You have trouble swallowing.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You lose all feeling in one or both of your arms.
  
  
• You are suddenly unable to move your neck, or one or both of your arms.
  
  
• You are unable to move one or both of your legs.
  
  
• You suddenly have trouble breathing.
  
  
• You have sudden chest pain.

Learn more about Cervical Disc Herniation (Discharge Care)