Symptoms

The symptoms of a herniated disc in the cervical spine can be of very different nature. Neck pain, which can radiate into the shoulders and arms, a numbness or tingling in the arm or fingers when the damaged disc presses on a nerve. The type of pain is also felt differently, some describe the pain as dull or pressing, others as pulling or difficult to localize.

But the pain can also be sharp and easy to locate. Pain in the arms and neck is usually a first sign that the nerve endings in the cervical spine are irritated. If you have symptoms such as numbness or weakness in your shoulders and arms, this indicates a more serious problem.

The symptoms can appear suddenly or be triggered by an accident. Depending on the direction in which the core of the intervertebral disc slips, it is also possible that the herniated disc will remain undetected for years. If you suffer from acute symptoms, do not hesitate to seek a professional opinion so that you can be helped as soon as possible.

OP

Surgery for a slipped disc is only necessary in about ten percent of cases. Most of those affected can be well helped with painkilling medication and physiotherapy. Surgery becomes necessary if the herniated disc is accompanied by neurological symptoms.

As already described, these can be symptoms of paralysis or weakness in the shoulders and arms. The goal of the operation is to relieve the affected nerves. There are various procedures for disc surgery in the cervical spine that are used.

Depending on the vertebral bodies between which the herniated disc is located and how severe the injury is, the doctor will decide which method is best suited. 1. disc prosthesisHere the injured disc is replaced by an artificial one. The mobility of the spinal column is preserved as far as possible and the patient can continue to do sports after rehabilitation.

2. disc removalThe removal of an intervertebral disc is also known as spinal fusion (spondylodesis). The injured disc is removed and the two vertebral bodies are joined together. After this operation, the mobility of the cervical spine is severely restricted and sport is only possible to a limited extent.

A strict rehabilitation program is necessary for the affected persons to regain parts of their mobility. 3. partial removal of the intervertebral discWhen a partial removal of the intervertebral disc is performed, the prolapsed interior of the disc is removed. The procedure may result in scarring. If the affected person does not regularly perform special mobilization and strengthening exercises, mobility may be limited after the operation. It is also possible that the affected person still feels pain due to the inelastic scar tissue.