Is neck, shoulder or arm pain interfering with your everyday life? Do you experience sharp pain in your neck when simply turning your head? Are your fingers numb or tingling? If you suffer from one or all of these symptoms, you may have a cervical disc hernia, which means that the cushions of cartilage between the bones of your neck have been damaged or torn. Fortunately, there are numerous treatment options available – you do not have to live with chronic aching, soreness, or discomfort caused by a cervical spine condition.
At ProMedSPINE, our skilled neurosurgeons and spine specialists are proud to offer the most advanced technological and minimally invasive spine procedures available to provide effective pain relief and improved mobility. Led by acclaimed spine and neurosurgeon Todd Gravori, MD, our LA-based practice specializes in finding the best possible solution for cervical spinal issues. To learn more about our cervical disc bulge and herniated disc treatments or to setup an appointment, please call us at 888-75-SPINE.
Signs of Cervical Disc Hernia
The spine is made up of 33 bones that comprise the spinal column, which begins at the base of the skull and extends all the way to the tail bone. Between each of the vertebrae are discs of cartilage that act as shock absorbers for the spine, allowing movement and flexibility while protecting the bones from trauma or wear and tear. If the discs are damaged and begin to bulge or herniate (tear and cause the soft center of the disc to become exposed), it can result in significant pain as the nerves of the spinal cord that connect to the rest of the body are strained or impaired.
Hernias or disc bulges in the neck (cervical spine) may present the following symptoms:
- Cervical radiculopathy – Pain that radiates from the neck to the shoulders, arms, hands, and fingers.
- Tingling, numbness, or “pins and needles” sensation
- Increased pain when moving
- Muscle weakness in the shoulders, arms, or hands, depending on the nerve that is affected
If you experience the signs and symptoms of a cervical bulge or hernia, it is crucial to schedule an exam with an experienced and skilled spine and neurosurgeon to not only receive an accurate diagnosis, but to also begin treatment as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
To learn more about neck hernias, please visit Spine-Health.com.
Treatment Options for Neck Bulges
Nerve damage from a herniated or bulging disc in the neck can often be diagnosed with an MRI scan, CT scan, and/or electromyography. Depending on the diagnosis, the treatment options can include:
Conservative, non-surgical treatment:
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Physical therapy
- Exercise
- Hot/cold ultrasound
- Activity adjustment
- Osteopathic medicine and manipulation
- Epidural injection
- Neck or back spinal brace
- Steroid injections
- Nerve blocks
In many cases, non-surgical treatments are effective at alleviating pain and discomfort caused by a hernia or disc bulge in the neck. If conservative options are not helpful, the following surgical procedures may be beneficial:
- Anterior cervical discectomy and spine fusion – During an anterior cervical discectomy and spinal fusion procedure, the cervical disc is removed through a small incision through the front of the neck and the vertebrae are fused with or without a plate to help stabilize the area.
- Cervical artificial disc replacement – The disc is replaced with an artificial disc that provides the same support and shock absorption.
No matter how minimally invasive a surgical procedure, it is crucial to have the operation performed by an experienced professional, such as Dr. Gravori.
Contact Valencia Spinal Surgeons Today
ProMedSPINE is based in Los Angeles with offices located in Beverly Hills, Encino, and Valencia. We are dedicated to comprehensive, state-of-the-art care for diseases and conditions of the spine. Led by renowned neurosurgeon and leading expert in minimally invasive spine surgery, Todd Gravori, MD, we offer the most advanced and effective treatment options available to relieve chronic pain associated with spinal degeneration or injury.
If you are experiencing symptoms of a cervical disc hernia or bulge, schedule a consultation today by calling 888-75-SPINE or fill out our online contact form.
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