Cervical Disc Herniation

Symptoms

Pain may stay in the neck or travel into the shoulder, arm, or hand. Tingling, numbness, reduced reflexes, and weakness can follow the pattern of a specific cervical nerve. Neck movement or certain postures may aggravate the symptoms.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis begins with the history and a focused neurologic examination of strength, sensation, reflexes, and gait. MRI can define the disc and nerve relationship; X-rays and, in selected cases, CT or electrodiagnostic testing add context.

Treatment options

When there is no urgent neurologic concern, treatment often starts with activity modification, anti-inflammatory medication when appropriate, guided physical therapy, and sometimes a targeted injection. Many cervical disc herniations improve as inflammation settles.

When surgery is considered

Surgery becomes a reasonable option when disabling arm pain persists despite appropriate care, weakness progresses, spinal cord function is threatened, or symptoms and imaging align around a clear target. Anterior cervical approaches or disc replacement may be considered depending on the anatomy.

When to seek care promptly

Seek prompt evaluation for progressive arm or hand weakness, loss of balance or hand dexterity, or any new bowel or bladder difficulty — these can signal spinal cord involvement.