What is Cervical Herniation?

A cervical herniation occurs when a disc in the cervical, or neck, region of the spine bulges or ruptures. Other terms used for a herniated disc are “herniated nucleus pulposis” (HNP), “slipped disc,” and “ruptured disc.” The disc is a fibrous cushion with an outer band called the annulus fibrosis that surrounds a jelly-like substance called the nucleus pulposus. The discs are located between each of the seven vertebrae in the neck and are meant to pad the movements of the spine. When a disc herniates, the outer band of the disc protrudes, tears or ruptures, allowing the jelly-like substance to seep out. Like the other vertebrae, the cervical vertebrae have foramen, or holes, through which the spinal cord passes. Unlike the rest of the spine, however, the vertebrae of the spine also have small foramen for a major artery the cervical nerves, which control the arms, neck, and upper torso. If a disc ruptures in this region of the spine, it can put pressure on the cervical nerve roots ...  more