Cervical Disc Bulge at C4-C5: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A C4-C5 annular disc bulge occurs when the nucleus pulposus protrudes through a tear in the annulus fibrosus between the 4th and 5th cervical vertebrae.

Key Points

• Location: C4-C5 intervertebral space in the neck.
• Causes: Degeneration, age-related wear, injury, trauma.
• Symptoms: Neck pain, stiffness, reduced motion; possible radiculopathy (pain, numbness, tingling, weakness radiating to shoulder, arm, hand).
• Diagnosis: Physical exam, history, imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT).
• Treatment: Conservative: NSAIDs, physical therapy, posture correction, activity modification. Surgery for severe, refractory cases.

Seek medical attention for persistent neck pain or radiating symptoms.