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What you should know about cervical disc herniation?


You might know about the term disc slip. It is another term used for cervical disc herniation. In the center of the disc, is a gel like material, and outside of it is fibrous cartilage. In the herniated disc, the fibrous cartilage which is outer part of disc is spiltted or tore. And the gel is extruded out of the disc and this is labeled as a herniated disc. This herniated disc develops pain in the neck or upper back. It can result from the exaggerated stress applied to the disc. People can get relief from this condition through physical therapy and medications.

 Causes of Cervical Disc Herniation:

  1. Aging: The water level of the disc reduces over time. A decrease in water level also decreases the flexibility of the disc. The chances are high of being rupture if we try to move or turn the disc. the cracks and tears also develop in the less watery discs. 
  2. Hereditary Factor: You are at a high chance of developing cervical disc herniation if one of your family members is already affected by this. 
  3. Excessive Strain: The disc may become herniated and ruptured if you apply too much weight to your upper body. 
  4. Sudden Trauma: The sudden or unexpected trauma can pull apart the disc that will lead to herniation. 
What are the symptoms of cervical disc herniation?
  • The person will feel pain in the neck. 
  • The pain may be sharp or shock-like in the neck or arm. 
  • Tingling, and numbness in the arm, or shoulder and can radiate into the fingers. 
The following symptom may appear if the spinal cord is pressurized: 
  • Difficulty in implementing the fine motor skills
  • Depreciation of balance and coordination. 
  • The shock-like pain feeling and tingling will radiate into the legs. 
  • The person will feel weakness in hands or arm, and he will feel awkward while walking. 
How to treat the cervical herniated disc?

The first step would be the conservative nonsurgical treatment that will help the patient in relieving the pain. It includes rest, physiotherapy, massage, hydrotherapy, home exercises, and pain management. Following this treatment, the patient will get rid of the cervical herniated disc within six weeks. However, if the condition of the patient does not get better with conservative treatment, then surgery is recommended. 

Non-surgical treatment:

Collar Immobilization: Applying the collar immobilization for just one week will give relief during the acute inflammatory period. 

Medications: 

NSAIDs: Asprin, Naproxen, Ibuprofen, and Celecoxib will be helpful in relieving the pain. 

Analgesics: Acetaminophen is helpful in relieving pain. 

Steroids: Steroids reduce the swelling as well as inflammation of the nerves. Steroid relief the pain within 24 hours. 
Steroid injections are also given into the epidural space of the spine under x-ray fluoroscopy. 

Physical therapy of cervical herniated disc patients:
The prime motive of physiotherapy is to get back the complete activity as soon as possible. After the rest and immobilization, physiotherapy is preferred. Following modalities are beneficial in treating the patient with cervical disc herniation:
  • Range of motion exercises.
  • Strengthening exercises.
  • Application of ice and heat
  • Ultrasound
  • Electrical Stimulation Therapy. 
Chin tuck is another exercise that is useful to maintain the posture of the head and neck. 

Conclusion:
This article is a good source to gain basic knowledge of cervical disc herniation. We have covered the cause, symptoms, and treatments in this article. If you have any more questions regarding cervical disc herniation, you can ask them in the comment box. We will answer your query as soon as possible. 

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