C5-C6 Disc Herniation: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Understanding C5-C6 Disc Herniation

A small posterior midline disc herniation at the C5-C6 level with mild left neural foraminal narrowing due to uncinate process hypertrophy can cause a range of symptoms. The C5-C6 segment is one of the most common sites for cervical disc herniation.

Common Symptoms

• Neck pain: Localized or radiating to shoulders, upper back, or arm.
• Radiculopathy (arm pain): Sharp, burning, or aching pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm or hand, often worsened by neck movement.
• Muscle weakness: Difficulty lifting or grasping objects.
• Headaches: Often at the base of skull, radiating to forehead or temples (cervicogenic headaches).
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia): Rare, but possible with large anterior herniations.

Important Notes

Not all disc herniations cause symptoms. Many are asymptomatic and discovered incidentally. Symptom severity depends on herniation size, location, nerve compression degree, and individual pain tolerance. If you experience these symptoms, consult a spine specialist for proper evaluation and management.