Herniated Disc of the Cervical Spine (Part I)
Have you ever heard someone complaining of pain from a “slipped disc?” If so, they are referring to a herniated disc. Discs can bulge when they lose water content, making the disc flatter with less cushioning. When a disc becomes too weak and begins to bulge, it puts pressure on the surrounding nerves. This pressure can cause nerve pain, numbness, tingling and weakness. Herniated discs can occur in the cervical spine (neck) or in the lumbar spine (lower back). Today, I will share my experience with patients who have a herniated disc in the cervical spine. This condition can occur without any obvious cause or injury. Some of the risk factors include: trauma, an accident or sudden twisting, a repeated or sudden strain on the back (as from lifting a heavy weight) or certain jobs that require heavy lifting. Some people are at a higher risk for this condition, but how do you know when you have actually hurt yourself? Symptoms of a herniated disc in the cervical spine include: Sudden neck or shoulder pain that travels down your arms Numbness, tingling, or weakness in one or both arms In some cases, weakness in legs, loss of balance, partial or
