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Cervical disc herniation occurs when the outer layer of a disc in your neck tears, allowing the inner jelly-like material to leak out and press on spinal nerves, causing neck pain, arm pain, numbness, and weakness. Your neck contains six cervical discs, which are soft cartilaginous shock absorbers lying between the bony vertebrae that cushion the vertebrae, absorb shock, and make your neck flexible. A related issue occurs when a disc bulges outward without tearing, causing similar symptoms. At Wascher Cervical Spine Institute in Appleton, WI, Dr. Thomas Wascher has successfully treated over 252 cases with a 99% improvement rate using advanced surgical techniques when conservative treatments fail.
Discs normally have high fluid content, but with age, they lose this fluid, becoming less flexible and increasing the risk of tears. The jelly-like center becomes more like dried-out crab meat. Age also causes discs to lose height, which can interfere with nerves.
The condition becomes more common with age and is frequently experienced by people who smoke cigarettes. It can also result from neck trauma, poor posture, or lack of regular exercise.
Common Symptoms: Herniated cervical discs often cause neck, shoulder, and arm pain, along with weakness, tingling, or numbness in the arms or hands, usually on one side. Pain may worsen after sitting or standing for long periods or when coughing or sneezing.
Red Flags: A more serious situation occurs when the herniated disc impinges on the spinal cord, causing myelopathy. This leads to leg weakness, loss of balance, and bowel or bladder problems. If these symptoms develop, seek medical attention immediately.
Diagnostic Process: Diagnosis involves personal health history and a thorough clinical exam, usually including X-rays and MRI imaging. A CT scan and myelogram may be needed when the diagnosis is in question.
Conservative Management: The majority of cervical disc herniations improve with physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and rest. Some people also benefit from epidural steroid injections to reduce inflammation and nerve irritation.
Surgical Options: When conservative measures are unsuccessful, surgery becomes an option. The most common procedure is anterior cervical discectomy, during which the surgeon removes the affected disc from the front of the neck. A bone graft and metal plate are typically inserted as a replacement.
Other options include posterior cervical foramenotomy to decompress the nerve root or artificial cervical disc replacement, which preserves motion. Most people experience some pain immediately following surgery, but this typically subsides during recovery.
Vanessa had years of neck pain leaving her unable to even do her daily work. But with Dr. Wascher’s quick and timely intervention that included multiple viewings of MRIs, muscle and nerve tests, followed by a 3-Level Anterior Cervical Fusion, she is now happy without any neck issues. “I can happily say that by following the recommendations of Dr. Wascher, I am now pain-free,” says Vanessa as she talks about how great Dr. Wascher and his team were to work with.
When Nanette experienced deep pain in her shoulder, she got tests performed, only to discover that she, in fact, had issues with her neck instead. After a few MRIs and scans, she contacted Dr. Wascher, who told her that she has bone spurs going into the spinal cord. Within a span of 3 weeks, she was able to go through surgery and get on the road to recovery. “I cannot say enough about Dr. Wascher’s expertise and empathy”, says Nanette as she joins an ever-growing community of people who, through Dr. Wascher and his team, have found happiness again.
Dr. Thomas Wascher brings over 30 years of specialized cervical spine expertise to treating disc herniation. His experience with over 252 anterior-posterior cases, including anterior cervical discectomies and corpectomies, has achieved a 99% improvement rate.
Dr. Wascher graduated valedictorian from high school, college, and medical school, and has been recognized in America's Top Surgeons since 2007. The practice offers free MRI reviews and second opinions at 5320 W. Michaels Dr., Appleton.
A herniated disc occurs when the tough outer layer tears and the inner jelly-like material leaks out. A bulging disc occurs when the disc doesn't tear, but the inner material bulges outward. Both can cause similar symptoms, including neck pain, arm pain, numbness, and weakness. The distinction is made through MRI imaging, though treatment approaches are often similar.
Yes, the majority of cervical disc herniations improve with conservative treatment, including physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and rest. Some people also benefit from epidural steroid injections. Surgery becomes an option only when conservative measures are unsuccessful.
Cervical disc herniation is frequently experienced by people who smoke cigarettes. While the exact mechanisms are complex, smoking is a well-established risk factor for developing herniated discs in the neck.
When a herniated disc presses on the spinal cord itself, it causes myelopathy. Warning signs include leg weakness, loss of balance, and bowel or bladder problems. This is a more serious situation than nerve root compression alone. If these symptoms develop, seek medical attention as soon as possible.