A disc protrusion, or herniated disc, occurs when the disc moves out of place and irritates a cervical neck nerve. The cervical spine is made up of seven bones that are cushioned by small pads of cartilage, or discs. The outer layer, or annulus, can tear and allow the soft inner layer, or nucleus, to protrude, states MayoClnic.com. This results in uncomfortable symptoms for the patients that are commonly treated with conservative measures.
Cervical Pain
Pain may occur in the cervical neck, states Medline Plus, a website of the National Institutes of Health. This occurs because the damaged herniated disc may send pain signals to the brain. Additionally, the herniated disc may push on nerve near the cervical spine that sense pain. This symptom can be treated conservatively with rest, ice and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication, or NSAIDs. In more severe cases, surgery may be warranted.
Radiating Pain
Pain may radiate into the shoulder, arm or hands, states MayoClinic.com. This occurs because cervical spinal nerves leave the spinal column through small holes, or foramina. When a cervical disc protrudes, it tends to push on the cervical spinal nerve as it passes through the foramina. As the disc pushes on the nerve, it can irritate it and cause pain to radiate into other parts of the upper body. MayoClinic.com states that pain may worsen when coughing of sneezing. Radiating pain most likely occurs on one side of the body. Radiating pain is treated with rest, ice and NSAIDs. In more severe cases, a doctor may prescribe stronger medications to relieve pain, or medication that specifically relieve nerve pain.
Numbness or Weakness
MayoClinic.com states that numbness and weakness may occur in the neck, shoulder or arm. This results in numbness and weakness on one side of the upper body. This symptom may also be treated conservatively with rest, ice and NSAIDs as the body repairs the protruding disc. Physical therapy may be particularly useful in treating numbness and weakness. Physical therapy can teach the patient exercises to strengthen the muscles around the neck to reduce weakness. Furthermore, stronger neck muscles will improve stability of the cervical spine and promote recovery of the disc protrusion.
