Spinal or vertebral discs are strong connective tissues holding the bones of the vertebrae together. The outer wall of an intervertebral disc may deteriorate or rupture, allowing the center or nucleus to push through the edge and cross the spinal canal. When a herniated disc compresses or adds pressure to a nerve root, it causes a sharp pain that radiates from the arm or shoulder down to the fingers. Regular exercise and physical therapy will be an essential part of the rehabilitation process, reducing the associated pain and restoring flexibility and range of motion.
Cervical Herniated Disc Causes
There are seven vertebral discs in the cervical spine or neck. These discs support the weight of the head, and act as cartilaginous joints, providing flexibility and range of motion in the neck, and shock absorbers, preventing the bones of the vertebrae from rubbing together. Cervical disc herniation is often caused by the progressive wear and tear of the spinal discs. As you age, spinal discs lose water and become less flexibile and more prone to rupturing or tearing. The annulus, or outer covering of a spinal disc, also deteriorates as you age, allowing the nucleus to bulge or herniate. A cervical herniated disc can also be caused by a direct blow or injury to the cervical vertebrae, excessive or prolonged bending of the neck forward, heavy lifting, poor posture or a muscle strain. Smoking also increases your risk of having a herniated disc. Smoking decreases oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues and cells, thus spinal discs weaken and become prone injury.
Cervical Disc Herniation Symptoms
According to MedlinePlus, 8 percent of disc herniation occurs in the cervical spine. The most common symptom of cervical disc herniation is pain in one side of the neck, however in some cases, the pain may occur on both sides of the neck. The onset of the pain is typically sudden and worsens in prolonged postures such as driving, leaning over a computer or reading. The one-sided neck pain is typically accompanied by pain that radiates from the arm to the fingers, muscle spasms, weakness or numbness. You may also have stiffness and reduced mobility in one side of your neck.
Cervical Disc Herniation Treatment Options
Ninety percent of disc herniation cases are successfully treated with nonsurgical, conservative methods, states Mayo Clinic. Your physician may recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen to reduce the inflammation and pain. Muscle relaxants may be prescribed in cases where a muscle spasm or muscle strain is the underlying cause of the disc herniation. Physical therapy is also an essential part of the rehabilitation process. Your physician may a recommend some exercises to strengthen the muscles in your neck, shoulders and arms, and reduce your injury potential. These exercises also stretch the surrounding tendons and ligaments and reduce the pressure on the compressed nerve, thereby reducing the pain and inflammation.
Physical Therapy Exercises
One example stretch begins standing upright, straightening your torso and neck. Tuck your chin and bring your head forward to your chest. Hold for two seconds and relax. Return your head to the starting position and repeat 10 more times.
Another exercise recommended to restore mobility and range of motion is a neck rotation. Stand upright, relax your shoulders and begin to rotate your neck as far as possible to your right. At the apex of this rotation, hold for three seconds. Return to the starting position and rotate your neck as far as possible to your left. These movements should be slow and controlled. Perform one set of 10 repetitions.
