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Herniated Cervical Disc

Between the 24 vertebrae of the spine are fibrous cushions, or discs, filled with a jelly-like substance (called the nucleus pulposus) that act as shock absorbers for spinal movement. They enable rotation of the spine and prevent pressure on the spinal cord, which is encased by the vertebrae.

The spinal cord is comprised of many small nerve roots that exit between the vertebrae and discs to carry messages to and from the brain. When the outer layer of a disc becomes damaged and the nucleus pulposus leaks through, it can put pressure on the nerve roots.

Damage can occur for a number of reasons:

· As a result of aging, when the fluid in the disc dries out and becomes less resilient

· From lifestyle choices, such as poor nutrition, lack of exercise and tobacco use

· From poor posture and incorrect body mechanics, as well as inappropriate lifting techniques

The spine is divided into four sections: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral. The cervical spine comprises the first seven vertebrae and is located in the neck. The cervical spine allows for rotation of the head and supports its weight, about ten pounds.

When cervical discs are damaged, the pressure causes inflammation and swelling of the nerves, which in turn causes pain, numbness and tingling. This can present in several ways:

· Pain in the neck

· Pain between the shoulder blades

· Pain that radiates down the arm

· Numbness or tingling in the shoulder or arm

There are four stages of herniated disc, each increasing in severity:

· Degeneration, when the wall is weakened but not yet cracked

· Prolapse, when the disc bulges or protrudes into the spinal cavity

· Extrusion, when the nucleus pulpolus breaks through the wall, but remains within the disc

· Sequestration, when the nucleus pulpolus breaks through and lies outside the disc

Treatment depends on the severity of the herniation. In the earlier stages of degeneration and prolapse, the use of ice therapy followed by heat therapy, taking a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, and restricting activity for a few days will often solve the problem. In the later stages of extrusion and sequestration, surgery may be necessary.

There are several things to do to avoid a herniated disc, or the recurrence of one:

· Use proper lifting techniques, including firm footing, squatting rather than bending from the waist, and not twisting the spine as you rise

· Employ good posture when sitting, standing, walking, or sleeping, keeping the spine in its proper S-curve alignment

· Maintain a healthy body weight

· Participate in an exercise program to strengthen core abdominal muscles that support the spine

· Have an ergonomic work area

· Quit smoking

Take the time today to learn how to protect your spine!

  • Medline Plus: Illustrations, causes and symptoms, information about tests and treatment.
  • Mayfield Clinic: Anatomy, description, symptoms, extensive test and surgical information, and links to prevention techniques.
  • North American Spine Society: Comprehensive information on pain-management and other medications, as well as descriptive and diagnostic information.

Good spinal health is important for everyone; the pain and limitation of a herniated disc can usually be corrected, and can often be prevented with some simple precautions.