Cervical herniated disc

The neck is made up of bones called cervical vertebrae. Between the vertebrae lie the intervertebral discs. A cervical herniated disc is a bulge of such an intervertebral disc. When the bulge presses against a nerve, complaints can arise in the area where this nerve runs, for example, in the neck, shoulder, arm, and/or hand.

Specialists also speak of a cervical radiculopathy when they talk about a cervical herniated disc.

What is the cause of a cervical herniated disc?

The most common cause of a cervical herniated disc is degeneration of the intervertebral disc. It is also possible that the intervertebral disc bulges after an accident, for example, after a car accident or a fall.

This condition is most common in people between 35 and 65 years old. From the age of 65, the chance of a herniated disc actually decreases.

How can a cervical herniated disc be recognised?

Complaints that are common in a cervical herniated disc include pain in the neck, shoulder, arm, and/or hand. The pain sometimes feels like an "electric shock" that suddenly shoots from the neck down the arm. The pain may also be experienced when coughing, sneezing, or straining (toilet).

Due to pressure on the nerve, it is possible that symptoms occur in the corresponding dermatome due to radiation. This can lead to tingling and a numb or prickling sensation or loss of strength in the arm and/or hand.

How is a cervical herniated disc diagnosed?

A cervical herniated disc can be diagnosed based on the patient's history and the accompanying physical examination. If a cervical herniated disc is suspected, imaging—such as an MRI scan—should provide clarity.

On an MRI scan, a bulge of the intervertebral disc is usually clearly visible. A CT scan of the neck can also be chosen. This gives the specialist more information about the influence of the bones on the complaints. This is useful when deciding whether or not to operate.

The neck consists of seven cervical vertebrae. The most common cervical herniated discs are seen between the fifth and sixth cervical vertebra or between the sixth and seventh cervical vertebra. These vertebrae are located more in the lower part of the neck.

How is a cervical herniated disc treated?

After assessing the imaging, the decision will be made to treat the cervical herniated disc surgically or non-surgically (conservatively). In 80 to 90 percent of cases, a cervical herniated disc heals on its own. That is why a conservative treatment is usually chosen initially.

Conservative treatment consists of a combination of:

1. Medication aimed at pain reduction.
2. Exercise therapy under the guidance of a physiotherapist. The treatment focuses on the mobility of the neck and training the stability of the neck muscles.

In surgical treatment of a cervical herniated disc, a small incision is made in the neck on the right or left side. Then the "affected" intervertebral disc, including the bulge, is removed. To replace this intervertebral disc, a plastic cage is placed, and the overlying and underlying vertebrae are fixed to this cage.

Even after surgery, exercise therapy for neck mobility and stability of the neck muscles is of great value.

Do the self-check

With the online self-check, you can assess whether your complaints match the most common complaints of a cervical herniated disc. Answer a number of questions and view the result.