Cervical Disc Herniation

Neck Pain

Cervical disc herniation is a common cause of neck pain in adults. Cervical disc herniation most commonly occurs increasingly with age for both men and women especially during the third to fifth decades of life. The severity of this condition can range from mild to severe, and potentially even life-threatening. The cervical spine has seven vertebral bodies, C1 to C7, counting from the thoracic spine to the base of the skull. Although there are seven cervical vertebrae, there are eight pairs of cervical nerves, numbered C1 to C8. Cervical disc herniation occurs as a result of the displacement of the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc. This can cause impingement on these cervical nerves or directly compress the spinal cord contained within the spinal canal.

The intervertebral disc is a cartilaginous structure made of three sections: an inner nucleus pulposus, outer annulus fibrosus, and end plates that attach the discs to adjacent vertebrae. Disc herniations occur when part or all of the nucleus pulposus protrudes through the annulus fibrosus. This process can occur acutely or more chronically over time. Chronic herniations may occur when the disc becomes degenerated and desiccated as part of the natural aging process, whereas acute herniations generally are the result of trauma, resulting in the nucleus pulposus extruding through a defect in the annulus fibrosus. Unlike chronic herniations, acute or traumatic herniations may result in a sudden onset of severe symptoms.

Symptoms of pain and neck stiffness occur as a result of compression of the nerve by the bulging disc and a local increase in inflammation. Herniations are more likely to occur posterolaterally, or on one side. This type of herniation compresses the cervical nerve root as it exits and can result in cervical radiculopathy. Cervical disc herniations most commonly occur between C5-C6 and C6-C7.

The Most Common Symptoms of Cervical Disc Herniation

Neck, shoulder, and shoulder blade (scapula) pain
Numbness and tingling in shoulder, arm, forearm, and/or hands and fingers
Decreased strength and weakness in one or both upper limbs
Diminished reflexes

(Source: National Library Of Medicine)

What Are the Treatments for Cervical Disc Herniation?

Most cases of acute disc herniation will resolve within the first four to six weeks, with improved outcomes with physical therapy intervention. Marcel Jacobs PT provides a hands-on physical therapy approach which means you’re going to get fast access to immediate care in order to soothe and relax those tight and aching muscles, mobilize and loosen those restricted and painful joints, and strengthen your body so that you can go back to doing the things that you love. Your therapist will perform a thorough physical examination and evaluation in order to provide you with a deeper understanding of your impairments, compensations, and dysfunctions. You may find yourself having your concerns eased, questions answered, and physical pain reduced inside of 45 minutes with your physical therapist.

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Dr. Marcel Jacobs

Dr. Marcel Jacobs is The Human Movement Consultant. As a licensed physical therapist, and certified strength coach, Marcel has a very unique and empathetic treatment approach that instills motivation and confidence in his patients. Marcel offers a variety of life-changing treatment approaches to help his patients get the relief they are looking for to get back to doing the things they love! He has been helping people just like you for years who want to keep active and love to be healthy in order to enjoy their lives to the fullest. Whether it be for pain, stiffness, or movement dysfunction, every week 100’s of people consult Dr. Marcel Jacobs looking for answers to concerning questions about their physical health. As the Human Movement Consultant, Marcel is a trusted health advisor, and expert of the rehabilitation of human movement and performance, and pain management. Marcel offers individual care and corporate solutions that significantly contribute to improved productivity and lower health costs, and promotes a preventative medical approach to mitigate injury risk and enhance human movement and function.

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