Cervical Herniation Causes & Symptoms

WHAT CAUSES A CERVICAL HERNIATED DISC?

Herniated discs, in the cervical spine, usually are a result of normal wear and tear, injury or trauma.  Natural degenerative disc disease is the most common cause of cervical spine (neck) and the lumbar spine (lower back).  Over the years, repetitive strain and motion, the vertebrae, and facet joints that allow movement in your neck begin to wear down the disc.  The repetitive motion over time can lead the disc to become dehydrated as a result of the degenerative process is starting to crack, and potentially lead to the nucleus, or inner gel, to abruptly leak or herniate through the outer wall of the annulus.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A CERVICAL HERNIATED DISC?

When the bulging or herniated disc presses on the spinal cord or exiting nerve root it causing sharp pain in the neck, shoulders, or arms and hands.  If you experience any of these symptoms, it is crucial that you consult a spinal surgeon.

The following symptoms can occur with a cervical herniated disc:

• Numbness or tingling in the shoulders, arms or down to the fingers
• Weakness in arm, hand or grip
• Pain in the neck when turning or in the shoulders, arms and hands
• Shooting pain or tingling-like electric shock through the shoulders to arms
• Trouble with coordination or balance