Herniated Cervical Disc or a Disc Cracked

The symptoms of cervical disc herniation:

• 
  
  Pain in the neck, shoulders and arms
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  Dull or sharp pain in the neck or between the shoulder blades
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  Pain radiating down the arm to the hand or fingers
• 
  
  numbness or tingling in the shoulder or arm.
• 
  
  Some of the positions and movements can aggravate neck pain.

The symptoms of herniated cervical disc often resemble other disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome, rotator cuff problems and gout. In some patients, a cervical disc herniation can cause compression of the spinal cord, where the disc material moves from the spinal cord. It is much more serious condition and may require more aggressive treatment plan. symptoms of compression of the spinal cord is awkward or stumbling gait, difficulty with motor skills of hands and arms, tingling or shock-type sensations "down the torso or feet.

Anatomy - Normal Cervical Disc

Between each vertebrae (bones) in the spine is a hard, tough fibrous shock-absorbing pads. line set of plates and the ends of each circle to help hold each disc. Each disc contains a tire as an external unit (the annulus) which covers the gel like substance (called the nucleus pulposus). The nerve roots exit the spinal canal through the small passage between the vertebrae and discs. The pain and other symptoms can develop when the damaged disc pushes into the spinal canal and nerve roots.

The symptoms of cervical disc herniation:

• pain in the neck, shoulders and arms

• Dull or sharp pain in the neck or between the shoulder blades

• Pain radiating down the arm to the hand or fingers

• numbness or tingling in the shoulder or arm.

• Some of the positions and movements can aggravate neck pain.

The symptoms of herniated cervical disc often resemble other disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome, rotator cuff problems and gout. In some patients, a cervical disc herniation can cause compression of the spinal cord, where the disc material moves from the spinal cord. It is much more serious condition and may require more aggressive treatment plan. symptoms of compression of the spinal cord is awkward or stumbling gait, difficulty with motor skills of hands and arms, tingling or shock-type sensations "down the torso or feet.

Anatomy - Normal Cervical Disc

Between each vertebrae (bones) in the spine is a hard, tough fibrous shock-absorbing pads. line set of plates and the ends of each circle to help hold each disc. Each disc contains a tire as an external unit (the annulus) which covers the gel like substance (called the nucleus pulposus). The nerve roots exit the spinal canal through the small passage between the vertebrae and discs. The pain and other symptoms can develop when the damaged disc pushes into the spinal canal and nerve roots.

cervical spine fracture occurs when the annulus or cracks open, allowing the nucleus pulposus to escape. This is called a herniated disc nucleus pulposus (HNP), or a hernia.

Progressive Steps Towards The Cervical Spine

Many factors increase the risk for the spine:

1. First Choice Lifestyles:

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  Smoking
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  Lack of exercise
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  Poor nutrition leads to obesity

2. Age

With the aging of the body, there are natural biochemical changes, which causes the plates to dry, thus reducing the resistance and resilience of the disc. 3rd bad posture can put extra pressure on the cervical spine.

The combination of these factors with the effects of daily wear, damage, improper lifting, or twisting and it is easy to understand why the disc can herniate. Hernia can occur suddenly or gradually over weeks or months.

Four stages of herniated disc are:

1. 
   
   Disc Degeneration: chemical changes associated with aging causes discs to weaken, but without a hernia.
2. 
   
   Disc loss: changes in shape or position of the disk slight impingement into the spinal canal. Also known as the bulge, or projection.
3. 
   
   Extrusion: gel-like nucleus pulposus breaks through the tire, like a wall (annulus fibrosus) but remains in the disk.
4. 
   
   Sequestration or sequestered disc: nucleus pulposus breaks through the annulus and the plate outside the spinal canal (HNP).

The Non Surgical Treatment of Cervical Disc Herniation

Locating The Cause of Pain

Not all causes herniated disc symptoms. Some people discover they have a convex shape or a herniated disc in x-ray for an unrelated reason. Most patients will consultation when they have symptoms. Visits to the orthopedist may include:

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  Medical
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  Neurological
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  Review interview
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  The problem of evaluation - the doctor told the patient of symptoms of pain, he knows
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  Review the history of treatments and medications you've tried
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  X-rays - can be ordered to rule out other causes of back pain such as osteoarthritis
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  CT or MRI can verify the extent and location of disc damage
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  Myelogram

Treatment of Cervical Disc Herniation - Without Surgery

Most patients do not need surgery! The treatments are as follows:

Ice / Heat Therapy - During the 24-48 hours of cold therapy reduces swelling, pain and muscle spasm, reducing blood flow. After the first 48 hours of heat treatment can be applied. The flow of heat to warm the blood increases and relax the soft tissues. increased blood flow helps flush toxins irritant that can accumulate in tissues as a result of muscle contraction and damage the disc. Do not apply ice or heat directly on the skin, instead wrap the source of heat or cold in a thick towel for no longer than 15-20 minutes. Drugs - may contain anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling, muscle relaxants to relieve spasms and pain-killer (narcotic) to alleviate the intense pain of short duration (acute pain). NSAIDs are often Indicated in the treatment of mild to moderate pain. These drugs may be one of the following: Naproxen, piroxicam, Dicflofen. They work by reducing both swelling and pain. Physical Therapy - Your doctor may recommend physical therapy to reduce pain and increase flexibility. Ice and heat therapy, gentle massage, stretching, traction, and neck a few examples.

Cervical Disc Herniation: Surgical Treatment

spine surgery is considered if nonsurgical treatment does not relieve symptoms or when the compression of the spinal cord is suspected.

To ease the nerves and neck pain, surgery usually involves a partial removal of a disc or spine. This treatment usually takes place in front of the neck (the front of the spine). In addition, your doctor may have access to the disk problem by removing a portion of the bone covering the nerves. This procedure is called laminotomy and usually takes place at the back of the neck (posterior laminotomy).

Fortunately, these procedures can often be done using minimally invasive techniques for spinal surgery. Minimally invasive spinal surgery does not require large incisions, but instead uses smaller cuts and small tools and specialized equipment such as microscope and endoscope during the operation.

Prevention of Aging is inevitable, but lifestyle changes can help prevent some cervical disc disease. These include: good posture, regular exercise, good body mechanics, strong neck muscles, good nutrition, and smoking cessation. By adopting good habits now, you can keep your spine in the future.

via scoma.org