Cervical Disc Herniation
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 1, 2024.
What is cervical disc herniation (CDH)?
CDH occurs when a disc bulges out from between the vertebrae (bones) in your neck. Discs are spongy cushions between the vertebrae. The bulging disc may press on your nerves or spinal cord.
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What causes or increases my risk for a CDH?
- Weakened discs from decreased gel-like material inside the disc
- A neck injury or cracked vertebrae
- Aged 30 to 60 years
- Lifting heavy objects often
- Smoking
What are the signs and symptoms of a CDH?
A mild herniation may not cause any signs or symptoms. You may have any of the following if the bulging disc presses against your nerves or spinal cord:
- Neck pain
- Arm, shoulder, and upper back pain
- Weakness, numbness, tingling, or a burning feeling in your arms or hands
- Headaches
- Trouble moving your neck or arms, or using your hands
- Leg weakness and trouble walking
How is a CDH diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will ask you about your symptoms and any health problems you have. Your provider will check the movement and function of your neck, shoulders, arms, and hands. You may also need the following:
- An x-ray, MRI, or CT scan may show the bulging disc. You may be given contrast liquid to help the disc show up better in the pictures. Tell the healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid. Do not enter the MRI room with anything metal. Metal can cause serious injury. Tell the healthcare provider if you have any metal in or on your body.
- A myelography is an x-ray of your spinal cord. Contrast liquid will be injected into the area around your spinal cord before the pictures are taken.
- An electromyography (EMG) is a test that checks for damage to the nerves that control your muscles.
How is a CDH treated?
Your healthcare provider may have you rest in bed for a few days. You may also need any of the following:
- NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
- Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to your healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
- Muscle relaxers decrease pain from muscle spasms.
- A steroid injection may be given to reduce inflammation. Steroid medicine is injected into the epidural space. The epidural space is between your spinal cord and vertebrae. You may be given pain medicine along with the steroids.
- Physical therapy may be recommended by your healthcare provider. A physical therapist teaches you exercises and stretches to make your neck muscles stronger and decrease pain. Your physical therapist may use traction to relieve pressure from nerves. Traction gently pulls your head up and away from your neck.
- A cervical collar prevents neck movement and decreases pain. Your provider will tell you how often to use the collar and for how long.
- Surgery may be needed if other treatments do not work. Surgery may be done to decrease pressure on your nerves and spinal cord. Surgery may be done to remove your bulging disc. Your healthcare provider may replace the disc with a bone graft (bone from another area of your body) or an artificial disc.
How can I prevent or manage a CHD?
- Apply heat or ice to your neck, as directed. Heat helps decrease pain and muscle spasms. Ice decreases swelling and pain. Apply heat on your neck for 20 to 30 minutes every 2 hours for as many days as directed. Apply ice on your neck for 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as directed. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover the bag with a towel before you apply it to your skin.
- Use proper body mechanics when you lift objects. Bend at the hips and knees when you pick up objects. Do not bend from the waist. Use your leg muscles as you lift the load. Do not use your back. Keep the object close to your chest as you lift it. Try not to twist or lift anything above your waist.
- Do not smoke. Nicotine can damage blood vessels and make it more difficult to manage a CDH. Smoking also increases your risk for another herniation and delays healing after treatment. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your provider before you use these products.
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US), or have someone call if:
- You have sudden trouble breathing.
When should I seek immediate care?
- You lose feeling in one or both arms.
- You are suddenly not able to move your neck, or one or both arms.
- You are not able to move one or both legs.
When should I call my doctor?
- You cannot control when you urinate or have a bowel movement.
- Your pain gets worse, even after you take medicine.
- Your voice suddenly becomes hoarse.
- You have trouble swallowing.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
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