Cervical disc hernia (neck hernia)

What is a cervical disc hernia?

The spine consists of several vertebral bodies. Between the vertebral bodies are intervertebral discs (discus). With a disc hernia, you have a bulging of an intervertebral disc. This bulge exerts pressure on the nerve that runs in the spinal canal.

What are the symptoms?

You usually experience neck pain. If the bulge presses on a nerve, it causes nerve pain that can radiate to the arm.

How is a diagnosis made?

A doctor can usually make the determination based on the characteristic symptoms. If a herniated disc is suspected, an additional CT scan or NMR scan (MRI) may be done to rule out other conditions.

How is a cervical disk hernia treated?

An attempt is always made first to solve the problem in a nonoperative way. You will be given anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medication. Combined with a period of rest, this may already reduce your symptoms. If that does not bring improvement, the doctor will proceed to cortisone-based infiltrations. You can read more about this treatment by clicking the link below.

Facet infiltration

How is the procedure performed?

When pain remains present after previous treatments, surgery may be necessary. This involves removing the herniated disc from the spinal canal through a small incision. A physical therapist will guide you during your recovery.

Cervical fusion