Hernia discal cervical

Definition, Diagnosis and Treatment: Cervical Disc Herniation

Article index

What is a cervical disc herniation?

How do I know if I have a cervical disc herniation?

Non-surgical treatments for cervical disc herniation?

What is a cervical disc herniation?

The cervical spine is made up of 7 vertebrae stacked and separated by discs, with the exception of the first and second (C1-C2).
Disc deterioration is characterized by dehiscence or fissures of the annulus fibrosus. The causes are usually dehydration due to aging, microtrauma due to problems associated with mobility and sometimes trauma caused by cervical sprains. In cases of fissure, the nucleus can migrate into the disc without expanding the annulus and cause acute neck pain of the torticollis type or chronic neck pain. If migration is more important, the nucleus can pass through almost the entire aniño and appear on the posterior aspect of the disc, forming a hernia. This hernia can, due to a complete rupture of the annulus, migrate to the medullary or foraminal canal. Thus, the hernia can compress nerve structures contained in the cervical canal (peripheral roots more frequently, and the spinal cord more rarely). The compression of a nerve root will develop a Cervicobrachial Neuralgia or cervicalgia, - an equivalent of "sciatica" of the arm - with radiating pain over all or some part of the upper limb, which can reach the fingers. This pain can be accompanied by sensitivity problems such as tingling, pricking -paresthesia-, or abnormal sensations to the bigger fingers -dysesthesia-, which can evolve to a loss of sensation (anesthesia). There may also be motor problems (from a simple sensation of weakness, to appreciate a frank loss of muscle strength that can sometimes reach partial or complete paralysis of a part of the upper limb). Compression of the spinal cord can trigger sensory or motor problems in the upper and / or lower limbs. The existence of neurological sensory and / or motor problems requires rapid consultation.

How do I know if I have a cervical disc herniation?

It is necessary that you go to a spine specialist to review your case, first a physical examination is performed to assess sensitivity, in some cases the physical examination includes some simple tests such as walking, reflex evaluation. However, the diagnosis of cervical disc herniation is made mainly by a Magnetic Resonance or a Computerized Axial Tomography (CT or Scanner). In the absence of significant neurological involvement such as paralysis, there is no urgency to perform these tests. Once performed, these tests will allow the hernia to be visualized and explain the patient's pain.

Non-surgical treatment for cervical disc herniation

More than 80% of herniated discs heal in less than 2 months with medical treatment. Very often, cervicobrachial neuralgia can be resolved conservatively, which includes rest and anti-inflammatory treatment, sometimes corticosteroids in the initial part. Also with relevant muscle, analgesics (sometimes morphine). We can also temporarily propose the use of a soft collar, sometimes physiotherapy for spinal diseases can be of great help. In the most difficult cases to medical treatment, an infiltration can be made at the level of the posterior joints. This can be performed under radiological control by an experienced medical team.

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