Cervical Herniated Disc

The cervical spine is the second most common location for a herniation. A herniated cervical disc may be caused by the wear and tear of the disc due to aging, sudden movements or trauma. Congenital spinal issues may also cause a cervical disc herniation.

Pain, weakness or numbness may go away on its own after weeks or months. However, this may be the initial injury that leads to degenerative disc disease.

Cervical Herniated Disc

Vertebral discs are rubbery pads that sit between the vertebrae. Northshore spine surgeon, Dr. K. Samer Shamieh, tells us to think of a disc like a jelly doughnut. A disc serves as a shock absorber for the spine. When a vertebral disc ruptures, its soft center can press against the spinal cord and nerve roots, causing pain. A herniated disc can happen in any portion of the spine, but are most common in the cervical spine and the lumbar spine.

Symptoms
Pain when turning the head or bending the neck

Pain on one side of the body

Pain that radiates down the arm or hand

Burning, tingling or numbness in the shoulder, arm or hand

Muscle weakness

Changes in grip strength

Neck pain and numbness that radiates into either arm.

Numbness along the shoulder, elbow, forearm and fingers
Treatment Options

Northshore surgeons, Dr. K. Samer Shamieh, Dr. Justin L. Owen, Dr. Sean Michael Rider, and Dr. Jeremy James are conservative, minimally-invasive spine surgeons. At AVALA Spine we will work with you to treat your conditions non-surgically first. Treatment normally starts with rest and pain medications, followed by physical therapy, and then nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, narcotics and muscle relaxers. Exercise and proper diet are important for managing the pain, especially among overweight patients. Steroid injections administered to the back of the herniated disc can decrease pain and swelling for several months.

If nothing else works, a minimally invasive surgery may be best for you.
Potential Minimally Invasive Procedures
Posterior Foraminotomy

Cervical Total Disc Replacement

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR MINIMALLY INVASIVE TECHNIQUES

AVALA Spine offers spinal procedures using minimally invasive techniques. It means smaller incisions, sometimes less than an inch, that is often covered with a band-aid. The minimally invasive spine surgeon inserts special surgical instruments through the tiny incisions to access the damaged disc. Unlike traditional “open” spine surgery, entry and repair to the damaged disc or vertebrae is achieved without harming nearby muscles and tissues. Less muscle and tissue damage results in less pain and a faster recovery. Click here to learn more.

This site is not designed to and does not provide medical advice, professional diagnosis, opinion, treatment or services to you or to any other individual. Through this site and links to other sites, AVALA Spine provides general information for educational purposes only. The information provided in this site, or through links to other sites, is not a substitute for medical or professional care. You should not use this information in place of a visit, call consultation or the advice of your physician or other healthcare provider. AVALA Spine is not liable or responsible for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services or product you obtain through this site.

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