What is cervical disc herniation?
The bones that form the spine in your back are cushioned by round, flat discs. If they become damaged, they may bulge or rupture. This is called a herniated or slipped disc. What causes cervical disc herniation? A herniated disc results from trauma to the spine. The jellylike material (nucleus) inside the disc may be forced out through the tears or cracks in the capsule, which causes the disc to bulge out similar to a hernia, rupture, or break into fragments. A herniated disc by itself does not cause pain. Pain will occur when the membrane on the outside of the spinal cord is irritated. Pressure from the herniated disc on the nerve roots (impingement) can cause radiating pain or numbness to the area of the body to which the nerve travels. What are the symptoms? Herniated discs in the neck (cervical spine) can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the neck, shoulders, chest, arms, and hands. In some cases a very large herniated disc in the neck may cause weakness or unusual tingling affe
