Pain Relief Measures For A Herniated Cervical Disc
A bulging or herniated cervical disc is the result of a weakening neck disc. The bulging disc can put pressure on the spinal cord, and while sometimes asymptomatic, a herniated cervical disc can cause severe neck pain that radiates to the shoulders, arms, and sometimes, the back. It can also cause numbness and tingling in your shoulders and arms. Herniated discs can be caused by injuries, excess weight, and even poor posture. Here are some neck pain treatment options to consider if you have a herniated cervical disc.
Conservative Neck Pain Treatment Options
When symptoms are in their acute phase, neck immobilization with a cervical collar may help prevent movement, and thus, prevent pain. Depending on your personal preference and doctor's recommendations, you can either choose a soft collar or a rigid cervical collar which typically offers higher levels of immobilization.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, also known as NSAIDs, are another effective neck pain treatment option. Not only do NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen ease pain, but they also help diminish the inflammation that often accompanies herniated discs.
Physical therapy is also an important component of a neck pain treatment plan. It helps reduce pain and inflammation, promotes good posture, enhances circulation, and it may also help prevent future cervical disc injuries. Your physical therapist will show you how to perform neck stretches and other exercises to help increase neck strength and to help strengthen the surrounding structures of your neck.
Surgical Intervention
If the above neck treatment options are ineffective in providing symptomatic relief from your herniated cervical disc, then you may be a candidate for spinal surgery. During your procedure, your surgeon will remove either a portion of the herniated disc or the entire disc, depending on the location and degree of herniation. After the disc has been removed, a surgical plate or other appliance may be inserted to help strengthen your spinal cord.
The surgery to remove a cervical disc is called a cervical discectomy and it typically only requires a small incision in the neck. This type of surgery usually takes less than an hour and is often performed in an outpatient setting.
If you develop any of the above symptoms of a herniated cervical disc, see your doctor as soon as possible. When a herniated disc is diagnosed early in its progression, conservative treatments may be more successful which may help prevent the need for spinal surgery.
For more information about neck pain treatment, contact a local company.
Share
