The cervical spine is made up of seven bones that are cushioned by small oval pads of cartilage or discs. These discs consist of a tough outer layer, or annulus, and a soft inner layer, or nucleus, states MayoClinic.com. A disc herniates when the inner layer pushes through the outer layer and irritates a cervical spinal nerve. Doctors tend to treat cervical spine herniations conservatively; however, surgery may be needed for more severe cases.
Cervical Pain
Medline Plus, a website of the National Institutes of Health, reports that pain may occur in the area of the herniated disc. Furthermore, pain may increase with bending or turning of the neck. This occurs because the herniated disc may push on nerves that sense pain around the cervical region. Additionally, the damaged disc may alter the normal anatomy of the cervical spine, which can result in pain. This symptom should be treated with rest, ice and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. Physical therapy session may also be helpful. A doctor may recommend surgery in severe cases.
Radiating Upper Body Pain
MayoClinic.com states that pain may radiate into the upper body, including the shoulder, arm and hands. This occurs because the herniated disc may push on a cervical spinal nerve as it exits the spinal column through small holes, or foramina. The herniated disc aggravates cervical spinal nerves and causes pain signals to be sent to the brain. The brain, however, senses that these signals are coming from the shoulder, arm or hands instead of the cervical spine. Furthermore, radiating pain may worsen with coughing and sneezing. This symptom is treated with conservative measures including rest, ice and NSAIDs. A doctor may prescribe a stronger pain relieving medication depending on the severity of the radiating upper body pain.
Numbness and Weakness
Numbness and weakness may occur with a cervical spine herniated disc, states MayoClinic.com. Numbness and weakness can affect the neck, shoulder, arm or hands, and typically occurs on one side. This occurs because the herniated disc pushes on the spinal nerve as it exits the spinal canal and can affect the nerve signals going to and from the arm, which results in numbness and weakness. Conservative treatments may be beneficial for this symptom; however, physical therapy may be the most useful. A physical therapist can teach exercises to strengthen the muscles in the neck, which can take pressure off the herniated disc and allow it to heal. Furthermore, strengthening muscles in the neck and arm can improve weakness.
