Cervical Disc Prolapse
Treatment

Table Of Contents

• What Are Cervical Discs?
• What Is Cervical Disc Prolapse?
• What Causes Cervical Disc Prolapse?
• What Are The Symptoms Of Cervical Disc Prolapse?
• How Is A Cervical Disc Prolapse Diagnosed?
• How Is A Cervical Disc Prolapse Treated?

What are Cervical Discs?

The cervical spine is the most superior section of the spinal column between the cranium and the thoracic vertebrae. It is made up of a succession of tiny bones that supports the neck and makes up the spine. The vertebrae protect the spinal cord, which transmits brain messages to govern the operations of the bodily parts. The cervical spine is a robust and flexible structure that allows the neck to move freely in all directions.

The cervical spine is made up of seven different vertebral segments (C1-C7) that are divided by cervical discs. These cervical discs, formed of a soft gel-like substance, operate as stress absorbers between the vertebrae in the neck.

What is Cervical Disc Prolapse?

The term “herniated disc” or “slipped disk” refers to a condition in which the gel-like fluid in the centre of a spinal disc slips through a weak area in the thick outer wall. Cervical disc prolapse, on the other hand, is a herniation in the cervical spine.

The outer layer of a disk is made up of fibrous cartilage, which holds the gel inside the disc in place. The gel-substance inside the nucleus pulposus pushes through a tear in the outer fibrous ring against the surrounding nerves in the neck when the external component tears or splits.

What Causes Cervical Disc Prolapse?

A variety of factors can cause disc prolapse. As we age, our spine discs may lose their flexibility and elasticity. Bas the gel in the discs starts drying out. The ligaments surrounding the discs become fragile and more readily torn due to f this. Excessive tension on the disc causes disc prolapse, which can be caused by lifting heavy objects, injury, or other detrimental actions.

Herniated disks are also thought to have a genetic predisposition and so can run in families. Early disc degeneration may be caused by smoking and various occupational activities.

What are the Symptoms of Cervical Disc Prolapse?

• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the neck
• Sudden or gradual neck pain and stiffness
• Severe neck pain that radiates into the arm, forearm or hands
• Pain that worsens upon moving the neck

How is a Cervical disc Prolapse Diagnosed?

A spinal Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan, which depicts spinal components in great detail, confirms a suspected disc prolapse. X-rays are ineffective for this illness.

How is a Cervical Disc Prolapse Treated?

The first line of treatment for cervical disc prolapse or herniated disc is conservative or nonsurgical treatment. With conventional treatment, nearly 95% of persons with herniated disc problems heal within six weeks and return to regular activity. Self-care, medicine, physical therapy, home exercises, steroid injections, physiotherapy, and pain management are nonsurgical alternatives for herniated disc disorders.

Medications: Pain medications, NSAIDs, and steroids help with severe neck pain. Muscle relaxants are sometimes also administered for muscle spasms.

Surgical Treatment Options for Cervical Disc Prolapse

Surgery may be the last remaining option if the illness does not respond to conservative treatment or if the symptoms worsen. Many criteria are evaluated before surgery, including the patient’s age, the duration of the disease, other health issues, and previous neck procedures.

The anterior approach (front of the neck) is the most common technique for cervical disc surgery. Posterior methods are considered for multilevel disc compressions with myelopathy.