The spine functions to provide structure and support to the body while allowing for flexibility. The University of Maryland Medical Center describes the spine as consisting of 24 vertebrae stacked upon each other; the top seven are known as the cervical vertebrae, the 12 in the center comprise the thoracic vertebrae and the remainder in the lower portion make up the lumbar vertebrae. A small flat disc filled with jelly-like fluid separates each vertebra. The discs function as shock absorbers and cushions, keeping the bones from rubbing against each other. Injury, disease or wear over time can cause the discs to rupture or bulge, leaving the vertebrae unprotected. Symptoms of a herniated or bulging cervical disc include nerve pain in the neck, shoulders, arms or chest, and tingling or numbness felt in the hands or fingers.
Cold/Heat Therapy
Many people who suffer from a bulging cervical disc exhibit no signs or symptoms and discover the herniated disc when be tested for unrelated issues. Others feel the pain that can be caused by a nerve caught between two vertebrae. When symptoms first appear, applying alternating cold and heat therapy can help to relieve them.
Cold therapy, applied during the first 24 to 48 hours, reduces blood flow to the affected area therefore reducing swelling, pain and muscle spasms. After 48 hours, applying heat increases the blood flow to help relax muscles and soft tissue. The increase in blood flow also helps to flush away any toxins produced by the damaged disc, according to SpineUniverse.com.
Medications
Medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, can help relieve the symptoms caused by the bulging cervical disc. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, work to relieve pain while also reducing inflammation. This type of medication treats mild to moderate pain. More severe pain may require a narcotic pain reliever such as codeine or oxycontin, available with a prescription. Injury to a cervical disc can cause the surrounding muscle to spasm. Muscle relaxants help to calm the muscle spasms therefore reducing pain.
Physical Therapy
Several physical therapy techniques help to alleviate the symptoms of a bulging cervical disc. Cervical decompression strives to reduce the pressure on the spinal discs in the cervical region. Stretching exercises and massage therapy may also provide relief.
Surgery
For those who fail to find relief with conservative treatment methods or who require urgent decompression, surgery is available. Two methods of cervical spine surgery exist: entry from the front, or anterior discectomy, or entry from the back, or posterior discectomy. Because the cervical discs are found in front of the spine, most surgeons perform an anterior discectomy, according to the Chicago Institute of Neurosurgery and Neuroresearch. During surgery, surgeons remove the affected disc and replace it with either a small piece of bone or a metal plate and screws. This fuses the two vertebrae surrounding the affected disc so they cannot rub together and cause further pain.
