Cervical disc protrusion
Among the most debilitating musculoskeletal pathologies are cervical protrusions, which cause significant chronic pain and, in severe cases, loss of mobility or sensitivity in the arms and shoulders.
¿Qué es una protusión discal?
Before defining this pathology, it's important to review the anatomy of the intervertebral discs. These structures serve an important function: to firmly and securely connect one vertebra to another, allowing movement, cushioning, and distribution of body weight when we stand, for example.
Each intervertebral disc is composed of two elements: a highly resistant, external fibrous ring that encloses an internal portion, the nucleus pulposus, made up of a gelatinous matrix of cartilage.
The neck is one of the most mobile parts of the entire spine, supporting the head and allowing a wide range of movements, and therefore, it is subject to great tension (if misused) and is susceptible to injury.
Occasionally, one of the eight intervertebral discs in the cervical spine can bulge and expand without rupturing, compressing the delicate nervous structures surrounding it: the spinal cord and the nerve roots of the trunk and upper extremities.
Causes
Bulging cervical discs almost always originate with the aging process due to a chronic decrease in water content in the cartilage tissue, which favors the weakening of the annulus fibrosus and its leakage into the spinal canal, causing narrowing and nerve compression.
Obviously, this gets worse when the person drinks less water than they should in a day (8 glasses, at least).
Symptoms and diagnosis
At first, the condition may go unnoticed because, even though there is a protrusion of the disc, there may not be nerve compression and, therefore, discomfort or pain.
When pain appears, it is because the disc has become more fragile and bulged.
The main symptoms of cervical protrusions are:
- Severe pain in the neck, often radiating to the shoulders and shoulder blades.
- Headaches.
- Sensación de entumecimiento en brazos, llegando a los dedos de la mano.
- Paralysis in arms and hands.
- Stiff neck.
Diagnosis consists of a thorough medical interview in which important information about the patient is gathered: characteristics and duration of pain, history of previous illnesses, lifestyle choices, activities performed, etc.
In addition, the doctor will assess neck joint mobility, the sites of pain, and the possible location of the injury. However, the diagnosis will not be complete until an MRI is performed to examine the degree of nerve compression.
These symptoms of herniated discs must be evaluated correctly and promptly by a spine specialist.
Treatments
When the protrusion is just beginning, the pain is treated with painkillers and anti-inflammatories. These help reduce neck discomfort and maintain mobility (many patients freeze at the slightest pain and excessively contract their neck muscles, causing spasms).
Muscle spasms can be treated with muscle relaxants injected directly into the affected area, thereby reducing neck tension and facilitating mobility.
Along with medication, physical therapy and massage have shown good results.
En caso de haber parálisis muscular o pérdida de sensibilidad, el tratamiento consiste en cirugía de cervical. En esta cirugía se repara el defecto anatómico y se liberan las estructuras comprimidas.
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