Your spine is made up of bones or vertebrae that are separated by disks. Your disks provide a cushion and allow the spine to move. Disease, injuries and wear and tear can all cause the jelly-like center of the disk to herniate. This can happen anywhere along the spine, however, herniations are more common in the low back and neck (cervical area). Becoming aware of the symptoms of a cervical herniation will help you know when to seek medical care to avoid complications.
Lack of Symptoms
A herniated disk does not always cause symptoms. If the herniation is mild or if it is not pressing on surrounding nerves you may not even know you have a herniated disk. If no symptoms develop you will never need treatment for your condition.
Pain
According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, a herniated cervical disk can cause pain in the neck. The pain can also radiate into the shoulders, between the shoulder blades, down your arms and into the hands. Sometimes the pain may be sharp and other times it may be a dull ache. In some cases it may also feel like a burning sensation. You may find that certain movements make your pain worse, while others make it subside. The movements that cause pain will depend on which way the herniation occurred.
Numbness
The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons states that along with pain you may experience numbness, tingling or pins and needles in the neck, shoulders or hands. You may also experience headaches. These symptoms will occur if the disk is compressing a nearby nerve. If the nerves are severely compressed you may also notice muscle weakness in the arms and hands and may have a hard time holding objects in your hands.
Other Symptoms
According to the Mayfield Clinic, you may also experience muscle spasms in the neck, upper back or shoulders. It also claims that with a herniated cervical disk "some patients find relief by holding their arm in an elevated position behind their head because this position relieves pressure on the nerve."
