Cervical Herniated Disc: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

A cervical herniated disc, also referred to as a slipped disc, normally occurs as a result of an a neck injury. Cervical herniation occurs when the disc, which acts as the shock absorber between the vertebrae, is forced through the fibrous tissue that surrounds it.

Symptoms

• Symptoms typically occur when the herniated disc presses against a nearby nerve. Pain that radiates down the arm, or into the fingers may be a sign of a cervical herniated disc.

Diagnosis

• If you doctor suspects a cervical disc herniation, he may order an magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or CAT scan. These tests will provide detail images of your spine and surrounding tissue.

Non-Surgical Treatment

• In some people, medication to reduce the inflammation and rest may be the only required treatment.

Surgical Treatment

• In cases where rest and anti-inflammatory medication fail to succeed, surgical intervention may be the only option.

Prognosis

• Typical recovery after surgical repair of a cervical disc herniation is good. According to the Spine Center of New York University Hospital, the success rate is 90 percent.