Slipped disc of the cervical spine
A slipped disc of the cervical spine is rather rare (about 15% of all slipped discs). The most common type of herniated disc is the lumbar spine, as it is subjected to greater stress. However, if a slipped disc occurs in the cervical spine, this mainly affects older people who show clear signs of wear and tear of the cervical spine.
Such a herniated disc is promoted by cartilage abrasion, ligament loosening and muscular weakness in the neck area. Another cause is trauma, where strong forces act on the cervical spine. This can also lead to a swelling of the inner mass of the intervertebral disc (prolapse).
Most frequently, the intervertebral discs between the 5th and 6th, or the 6th and 7th vertebral bodies are affected. A slipped disc of the cervical spine is also often caused by a constant incorrect posture of the head, for example by a permanent cramped body position. This often affects people who move little, for example in the office and therefore sit for long periods and keep their head still.
In the long run, this can lead to damage to the intervertebral discs. If they are strained, they tear more quickly and the inner mass of the intervertebral disc swells out. This puts pressure on the nerves that protrude between the vertebral bodies, causing the classic symptoms of a herniated disc.
A herniated disc of the cervical spine can cause different symptoms depending on the location of the herniated disc and its severity. Typical symptoms are: In the worst case, a herniated disc can also cause paraplegia if it pushes the spinal cord. However, this is rare – especially in the cervical spine.
- Shooting pain in the supply area of the nerves depressed by the dislocated disc mass
- Sensory disorders of the skin in the shoulder or arm area
- Knocking pain above the damaged intervertebral disc
- Painful limitation of the mobility of the cervical spine.
- Restriction of motor function up to paralysis
The best diagnostic method for detecting a slipped disc in the cervical spine is the MRI. The MRT is a radiation-free examination that produces slice images of the cervical spine. If possible, a herniated disc of the cervical spine is treated conservatively, which means that surgery should be avoided if possible.
In this case, for example, painkillers, muscle-relaxing medication (muscle relaxants) and physiotherapy are used. In most cases, special exercises for the neck muscles (e.g. back exercises) can, in combination with adequate pain medication, bring about a sufficient improvement in the symptoms so that surgery can be avoided. If these conservative measures are not sufficient, a surgical intervention (operation of the herniated disc) must be considered.
In the case of herniated disks that have already led to paralysis, surgery is usually performed directly. The surgical access is often chosen at the level of the larynx from the front. The surgeon thus works his way up to the cervical spine, can peel out the defective disc and replace it with an artificial disc of the cervical spine or a spacer.
A titanium basket, for example, can serve as a spacer, which can be placed in the place of the old intervertebral disc and filled with bone mass. In order to avoid a slipped disc of the cervical spine, sufficient physical activity should be ensured. Movement is important to avoid one-sided strain on the intervertebral discs.
In this way the intervertebral discs are less stressed and do not tear as quickly. In addition, exercise has a protective effect on the neck muscles, since the muscles stabilize the cervical spine. Targeted relaxation and strengthening exercises for the neck are therefore particularly suitable for people with little movement and one-sided stress situations (PC work).
A pinched nerve can be very painful. Muscle hardening is often the cause. In the area of the cervical spine, muscle hardening can be caused by incorrect posture or overloading, for example, but also by signs of wear and tear in the cervical spine.
If pressure is thereby exerted on a nerve, this can lead to shooting, severe pain. A tingling or numbness in the supply area of the corresponding nerve (dermatome) can also occur. Tingling or numbness can be triggered by various causes.
If you suspect a herniated disc as the cause of your complaints, we recommend our topics: Many people have pronounced tension in the neck and shoulder area. Accordingly, symptoms caused by irritated or trapped nerves are common. In the head and neck area, this often leads to head or neck pain, which can radiate into the arms or upper back.
If the cause lies in the tense muscles, warmth and muscle-relaxing and pain-relieving agents can help to improve the symptoms. As a result, the affected person assumes less of a relieving posture, which could otherwise lead to a further worsening of the complaints. Tension can be relieved through targeted massages. To prevent this from happening in the future, it is recommended that regular relaxation and strengthening exercises for the neck and shoulder muscles be performed.
- Numbness as an indication of a slipped disc and
- Tingling as a sign of a slipped disc
