What are the side effects of a herniated disc in your neck?
A herniated disc in the neck can cause neck pain, radiating arm pain, shoulder pain, and numbness or tingling in the arm or hand. The quality and type of pain can vary from dull, aching, and difficult to localize to sharp, burning, and easy to pinpoint.
What does a herniated disc in cervical spine feel like?
If you have a herniated cervical disc, you may feel pain that radiates down your arm and possibly into your hand. You may also feel pain on or near your shoulder blade, and neck pain when turning your head or bending your neck. Sometimes you may have muscle spasms (meaning the muscles tighten uncontrollably).
When should I worry about a herniated disc in my neck?
If it presses on your spinal cord, you can have more serious symptoms, including: Stumbling or awkward walking. Tingling or a shock-like feeling running down your body into your legs. Problems using your hands and arms for fine motor skills.
What should you not do with a herniated disc in your neck?
If a disc is pressing on the nerve in your neck and producing symptoms of neck pain with arm pain, numbness, tingling and weakness then the most important thing to do is avoid all high impact and high velocity activities involving the neck, such as jogging, basketball, football, jumping, high-impact aerobics.
How do they fix a herniated disc in the neck?
ACDF surgery is the most common method among spine surgeons for treating a cervical herniated disc. In this surgery, the disc is removed through a small one-inch incision in the front of the neck. After removing the disc, the disc space itself is set up for the adjacent vertebrae to eventually grow together and fuse.
How should I sleep with a herniated disc in my neck?
The optimal sleeping position for a herniated disc is on your back. Lying on your back keeps your spine in a neutral position so you have less chance of pinching the nerve. For added comfort, nestle a small pillow or rolled-up towel under your knees and lower back.
How do they fix a cervical herniated disc?
The most common operation for a herniated cervical disc is called an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). This procedure involves an incision in the neck, which exposes the front of the spine. The disc is removed relieving any pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots.