Herniated cervical disc, also known as ruptured or bulging disc, causes pressure on the nerves in the spine, which is made up of vertebrae that surround and protect the spinal cord. Between each vertebra is a disc that separates the two from each other. The disc space contains a soft substance that acts as a cushion to the spine. When the disc becomes traumatized (strained, ruptured or displaced), herniation or bulging of the disc occurs. Cervical disc herniation causes symptoms related to compression of the nerves in the cervical, or neck area, of the spine.
Pain
A herniated cervical disc causes pain. One of the most common symptoms is pain in one or both arms; shoulder and neck pain can also be present. The symptom of arm pain stems from nerve compression from the disc, combined with irritation and inflammation from the gel that normally cushions the neck. The nerves in the cervical spine run down the arm, and cause pain away from the source, known as radiating pain. Depending on which cervical disc is herniated, pain can be localized or run down the arm to the fingers. There are seven cervical vertebrae: C1 to C7.
Limited Neck Movement
A herniated cervical disc can cause limited movement in the neck. Stiffness from inflammation and soreness is present, especially just after herniation. The neck muscles tighten, causing neck spasms that can also limit movement. Over time, the disc shrinks and symptoms become less severe.
Numbness and Tingling
Numbness in the hands, wrist or fingers is associated with cervical disc herniation. Numbness can occur on the thumb side of the hand if there is herniation of the 4th or 5th cervical vertebra (C4 or C5). When the herniation is lower (C6 or C7), it might cause numbness in the triceps and the middle finger. Numbness in the little finger of the hand occurs when C7 disc herniation occurs.
Weakness
Weakness results from cervical disc herniation because of the involvement with nerves that control the arm muscles. Weakness in the deltoids occurs with rupture of C4 or C5 discs. Herniation of cervical discs five and six results in bicep and wrist weakness. C6 and C7 herniation causes weakness of the triceps and when extending the fingers. Hand strength diminishes when herniation of C7 is present.
