A cervical hernia not treated in time can lead the patient to need surgery. Taking precaution to prevent it or detect it in time to start treatment with a specialist is of utmost importance to take care of our health. In this post we will tell you everything you need to know about this pathology.
What is the intervertebral disc?
The vertebral column, in addition to supporting the trunk, is a protector of the spinal cord and an attachment point for muscles of the back and ribs. Each of the vertebrae that make it up has so-called cervical discs, which reduce the impact of daily actions such as walking, running or jumping.
More precisely, The vertebral disc is the cartilaginous structure that is located between two vertebrae and distributes the various loads to which our spine is exposed. intervertebral discs They function as shock absorbers for the spine.
Two main parts of the intervertebral discs can be distinguished: the annulus and the nucleus. The external fibrous ring is made of collagen and is comparable to the concentric layers of an onion. For its part, the nucleus pulposus is a soft tissue structure located in the central part.
Starting in the second decade of life, the annulus fibrosus degenerates little by little naturally, producing cracks in the concentric layers, which can generate pathologies in the spine such as protrusions, herniated discs or vertebral osteoarthritis.
Most common cervical hernias
Herniated discs are classified according to the vertebra they affect and their symptoms. The most common types are:
- C5-C6 Cervical Hernia: Its presence can generate weakness in the biceps and wrist area.
- Cervical Hernia C6-C7: Its most common symptom is pain in the triceps and extensor muscles located in the fingers.
- C4-C5 Cervical Hernia: It occurs when the nucleus breaks and leaves the ring that covers it. This hernia can cause pain and weakness in the shoulder area. If surgery is needed, there are options such as arthroplasty, arthrodesis and simple discectomy.
- C7-T1 Cervical Hernia: It is located in the neck, specifically at the junction of the cervical spine and the thoracic back. Its presence can cause pain and numbness in the arm, as well as weakness.
Causes and risk factors for cervical disc herniation
Cervical disc herniation occurs from the degeneration of the discs, which leads to their rupture and/or a displacement of the nucleus pulposus. It is a pathology that, on many occasions, can prevent us from leading a normal life due to pain or more serious pathologies.
Among the main risk factors for cervical disc herniation they find each other:
- Excess body weight
- Jobs that require the use of force
- Lift heavy objects
- The genetic
- tobacco
- Sitting for long periods
- sedentary lifestyle
- Spinal trauma or injuries
Symptoms of cervical disc herniation
Identify the symptoms of cervical disc herniation on time, it is very important to go to a specialist as soon as possible and thus guarantee the best treatment and recovery. Symptoms can mainly appear from two pathologies:
- radiculopathy: the hernia compresses a nerve root and produces cervicobrachialgia, pain in the neck transmitted through the shoulder, arm and fingers. It is a continuous ailment that causes nocturnal disorders such as insomnia, tingling in the arm and/or hand (paresthesias) and, in a more aggravated state, decreased sensitivity (hypoesthesia) and strength, and dizziness.
- myelopathy: in this case, the compressed part is the spinal cord and more serious symptoms are generated such as altered gait, involvement of sphincters or abnormalities in force sensitivity in the lower and upper extremities.
It's always advisable to see a professional for an accurate diagnosis, but if you experience pain in your neck, shoulders, and arms that doesn't improve with rest, tingling or numbness in your fingers or arm area, decreased strength when lifting things, or dizziness when moving your neck or a pinching sensation, it's likely a cervical hernia.
Can cervical hernia cause dizziness or blurred vision?
It is true that a cervical hernia can cause dizziness or blurred vision due to nerve compression, which can affect balance or cause a feeling of instability.
In the case of dizziness, it is usually caused when structures near the inner ear or cerebellum are affected.
On the other hand, blurred vision is not a typical symptom, but can occur due to stress or associated problems.
It is vital to avoid self-medication and consult a specialist to determine the causes and make an appropriate diagnosis.
Treatment of cervical disc herniation
For him diagnosis of cervical disc herniation It is necessary to take a thorough clinical history that coincides with the patient's examination and all complementary tests: cervical x-ray, magnetic resonance imaging and electromyogram.
It is vitally important that when a patient experiences any of the symptoms mentioned, they should see a specialist traumatologist. First of all, there will be a physical exploration, to study those points where the patient experiences pain.
Other diagnostic tests may then be performed such as x-rays either resonances that allow us to know the severity and exact location of the pain. In more complex cases, CT scans to study bones, soft tissues and blood vessels.
In cases where there is a suspicion of spinal cord compression, a neurological examination of the patient will also be carried out (myelogram) that will allow the state of the spinal cord and nerve roots to be evaluated.
How to prevent a cervical hernia
To prevent a cervical hernia, simply adopt certain daily self-care habits that will prevent the area from becoming seriously affected. Some ideas to keep in mind:
- Good postural hygiene, especially in front of screens.
- Use of ergonomic chairs with good cervical support.
- Alternate sedentary work with alternative breaks and stretching.
- Avoid lifting weights without proper technique or sudden movements.
- Do gentle exercises to strengthen your cervical and dorsal areas.
In this way, and in conjunction with appropriate medical monitoring, cervical hernias can be avoided and prevented, maintaining a stable and optimal state of health.
Non-surgical treatments for a cervical hernia
Once the complete diagnosis has been made, the herniated disc treatment. If there is no serious condition, surgery will not be necessary. In addition to anti-inflammatories, it is advisable to start a natural treatment for herniated disc and follow the exercises recommended by the specialist such as self-massage and stretching.
In summary, depending on the symptoms and the state of the hernia, the following treatments can be prescribed:
- Anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxants: with the aim of relieving the patient's possible pain. In more serious cases
- Corticosteroid injections: to reduce inflammation caused by displacement of the intervertebral disc
- Physiotherapy: Through individualized exercises, the muscles are strengthened and can improve the stability of the spine.
Can you exercise with a cervical hernia?
You can exercise with a cervical hernia, but it should be done under medical supervision and the exercises should be tailored to both the patient's abilities and limitations.
Although it's advisable to avoid impact sports or the use of force without postural control, gentle or low-impact exercises such as swimming, Pilates, or yoga help strengthen the cervical muscles and stabilize the spine.
Under the supervision of a specialized physical therapist, it is possible to determine when to resume physical activity and what exercise is appropriate for each individual.
Risks of not treating a cervical hernia
Avoiding medical treatment for a cervical hernia can lead to several complications that can lead to a lifetime of chronic discomfort and pain.
The consequences of evading medical treatment include worsening pain and decreased mobility, nerve compression, and the possibility of loss of strength and muscle wasting, as well as serious neuronal alterations if myelopathy develops.
It is recommended that you see a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms to avoid having to undergo surgery for more serious injuries.
When should cervical disc herniation be operated on?
In the most serious cases, it will be decided to perform a spine surgery for a cervical disc herniation. Through a surgical intervention, the herniated disc is removed and an artificial disc is implanted that performs the same function as the removed one.
Dr. Elgeadi's trauma team has experts in advanced spinal endoscopy which avoids the complications of arthrodesis thanks to a minimally invasive surgery that preserves the physiological movement of the spine.
An approach of about two centimeters is made in the neck, following the wrinkle of the cervical flexure; the disc and the herniation that is compressing the nerve root and/or spinal cord are removed (discectomy); and is replaced by a disc prosthesis with which mobility is maintained and limitations in the neck are avoided.
According to the recovery from cervical hernia surgery, the patient is discharged in just 24 hours and does not require immobilization with a collar, being able to move the neck upon awakening from anesthesia without any restriction thanks to the minimally invasive technique.
gthanks to our experts in endoscopic spine surgery in Madrid, it is possible to treat this type of pathology. In Elgeadi Traumatology We are pioneers in advanced spinal endoscopy and ask for a date can help you put an end to your cervical disc herniation symptoms.
78 thoughts on “¿Qué es una hernia discal cervical? Causas, síntomas y tratamiento.”
I have a herniated disc in my neck, I have tingling in my head and dizziness.
Could it be due to a herniated disc?
Hello Antonia!
If you want you can write to us at our email [email protected] and tell us more in detail.
All the best!
Hello, I have seen that some doctors in Barcelona cut the excess herniated disc, using endoscopy. Without having to remove the disc and replace it with a prosthesis. Do you do this technique?
Hi Diego,
No, endoscopic surgery only allows small gestures on the elements that compress the neurological structures. We have other minimally invasive techniques for disc replacement that can benefit our patients.
A hug.
I need help I have 4 cervical hernias that they recommend c4 c5 c6 c7
Hi Lorena,
Spine cases are complex and to give you an answer we need more information, see tests and perform a physical examination.
You can make an appointment by calling +34 91 005 39 00.
Greetings
Hello Dr Eleagadi, good morning, I am from Bragado pvcia de bs as, and I wanted to tell you that I have a herniated cervical disc at the level of the c5 and c6 vertebrae, I wanted to know what to do especially when there are decompositions
Good morning, Rithaud
Thank you for your comment on our blog. Given your pathology, we recommend that you consult with a spine specialist so that they can make a complete diagnosis of the area and determine the most appropriate treatment for the pathology you present. Do not hesitate to contact our spinal traumatologists in the link provided.
All the best.
Hello, good morning, I have two cervical hernias and I have dizziness and tingling in my head, is it because of the hernias????
Hello Juan Manuel,
It is very possible, although to be sure we should do some tests and reviews.
Greetings.
I have tingling on the right side of my head, as well as a lot of pain when bending my neck to eat, a little tingling in my left arm, and sometimes a little unbalance.
Hello Nestor,
In order to make an accurate diagnosis, it's necessary to have your case evaluated by a specialist and undergo testing. If you wish, you can schedule an appointment with us so we can assess your situation and work on the best approach to treating your symptoms.
Greetings.
Good afternoon. Can you explain to me the result of a cervical MRI. Right foraminal hernia that compresses the dural sac and root at the level c3_c4. Circumferential type hernia that compresses the dural sac without root conflict at the level c4, c5 and c5 _c6. Thank you very much.
Hello Elena!
We recommend that you consult with the specialist who prescribed the test. Write to our email [email protected] where we can resolve your doubts.
All the best!
Do you work with Asisa?
Good morning, Silvia!
Yes, we work with Asisa. The company covers almost all the services we perform, there are only some that are exempt. Can make an appointment online to discuss this topic in more detail. All the best!
This information helped me a lot
Thanks 🙂
Thanks to you, Nicol!
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact our team of specialist traumatologists. All the best!
I have a cervical hernia, I can't touch myself, almost stuck to the right side of my neck. My skull burns.
Good morning,
If you have been diagnosed with a cervical hernia, it is best to treat it as soon as possible so that recovery is faster and more effective. Get in touch with our specialist traumatologists to receive all the necessary information and begin to improve your quality of life. Greetings!
I have lost strength in my left leg, I have already had C5 C6 surgery and I burn myself every time I drag my leg more and I have lost strength in it
Good morning, Fina.
For cases as specific as yours, it is necessary that you go to a specialist traumatologist to perform a complete medical study and offer you the best treatments. You can call our trauma clinic to offer you more information.
All the best.
hello . good night
Well, they did an MRI and they found a c5 and c6 hernia, my neck hurts a lot because it is difficult for me to make sudden movements, my right arm is weak and my index finger gets very cold and it hurts because of how cold it is. This, just like I work in an emergency room in shifts, I know that it affects me as well.
My question is, do the hernias get worse or grow if I don't operate quickly? What could happen to me?
Thank you very much in advance.
Good morning, Johanna.
Hernias can progressively increase if they are not treated in time, causing pain to the patient. Here is an informative video about the herniated disc operation, we hope it resolves all your doubts.
All the best.
Good morning Drs. I am very worried about my spinal pain from the lumbar to the cervical, there are times when the pain is very strong. I was diagnosed with cervical problems since 2018 and I need 2 cervical prostheses, I always have intense pain in my neck, back, arms, fingers, when I move my neck I hear noise (clicking). My lumbar had a fracture in the body of the 3rd lumbar and it healed, forming a small callus. What worries me the most is the cervical thing. I need your opinion on what will happen if I don't have surgery? And what are the risks of the operation? From already thank you very much. God bless you.
Good morning, Pamela.
We are very sorry for the pain you are suffering. In the following link, you will find all the information about cervical prosthesis.
All the best.
God, this is how I am and I read and read that everyone who has surgery comes out worse, I feel like I'm dying, I think it would be the best thing, I'm awake, I feel like a burden, without money because they are expensive, I don't even want to be able to pay for an operation and with those comments that I read that it comes out worse.
Excuse me, I was diagnosed with herniated discs c4c5 and c5c6... I wanted to ask if the stiffness in the neck is part of this or losing strength and mobility in the arms... if so, how can it be solved? From already thank you very much
Good morning Jose,
We are very sorry for your illness. For cases as specific as yours, we recommend that you go directly to a trauma doctor, so I can help you treat pain through a complete medical diagnosis.
Greetings.
Good afternoon, two years ago they detected a small hernia in my neck, and now the pain goes up to my head and I get dizzy, it also hurts up to my hip and when I walk it hurts a lot, thank you
Good morning, Candelas.
Thank you very much for commenting on our blog. We are sorry for your situation. It would be advisable to consult a traumatologist specializing in cervical hernia, so that they can make a more exhaustive diagnosis of the area and determine the most appropriate treatment. Can make an appointment at our trauma clinic in Madrid.
All the best.
I was diagnosed with a herniated disc in c5, c6 and c7, they are at 30 % but they want to operate on me because the doc stops. It's not a hernia, it's a protuberance...
These are what you recommend to me
Good afternoon, Ruben.
Thank you very much for your comment on our blog. For questions like the one you present, we recommend that you contact our team of traumatologists directly. You can do it at this link: https://elgeaditraumatologia.com/contacto/.
All the best.
Hello, I am 52 years old. In 2008 I suffered from paresthesias in my face, neck and left arm, I had an MRI and it turned out that I had 2 cervical hernias. They medicated me with inzitan and it was fine for a while but the tingling returned and I learned to live with it. Now a year ago I started with pain in my lower back and legs, especially the right one, I have had MRIs of everything, an electromyogram of my legs, and they don't see anything but now the paresthesias are all over the body. I would appreciate your opinion. All the best.
Good morning, Araceli.
We are very sorry for the pain you are suffering. It would be necessary for you to come to our trauma clinic to offer you a complete medical diagnosis. In this way, we can offer you the most convenient treatment for your pathology.
Greetings.
Hello ! I'm the same. They already gave you a diagnosis
Hello, good afternoon. Three years ago, I was diagnosed with a cervical hernia, which has left my right arm almost immobilized with very great pain. I can barely sleep. I have no strength in my arm. which I did not find improvement as a result of chronic pain I became hypertensive I am desperate it is unbearable. Thank you very much. Regards
Good morning Carmen,
Thank you for your comment and we are sorry for the situation you find yourself in. We recommend that you consult a trusted traumatologist so that he or she can study your case and determine the most appropriate treatment before more time passes to prevent the pathology from worsening. You can make an appointment with our traumatologists experts in cervical hernia in the link provided.
Greetings and much encouragement.
Good afternoon, I am waiting for an MRI to confirm what I suspect it is because I have pain in my neck that goes up to my head, severe weakness in my legs, the fingers of my right hand have lost strength, It is difficult for me to drink, eat and pronounce and also to relieve myself. I'm getting weaker every day and since it's taking so long for social security to call me, I'm going to a chiropractor. I've had three sessions and I don't see a solution yet. Is it positive to become a chiropractor or is it not convenient?
Good morning José Luis,
Thank you very much for commenting on our blog. We recommend that you consult with a specialist so that they can study your case exhaustively and determine the treatment you need to resolve your pathology. Do not hesitate to contact our traumatologists experts in cervical disc herniation in the link provided.
All the best.
I have a consultation. I have been diagnosed with a lumbar hernia for 3 years with wear and tear of the lumbar vertebrae L4 and L5. I have been to a doctor and a kinesiologist as much as I can and I am under medication for my crises that I take many times, my legs and buttocks are They make me numb. I don't know if I'm starting another pathology, but I also have spinal elordosis. My case is that this year I went to the hospital for diagnosis and a neurosurgeon treated me and she told me that I wouldn't have surgery because of my spinal condition and all The times I go to the doctor they tell me that I can't work that I can't exert myself and everything else they do tell me that because I don't have help for a disability pension it's necessary to really operate to receive help. I need guidance please
Good morning Andrea,
Thank you very much for commenting on our blog, in your case, the most recommended thing is to go to a trusted traumatologist so that they can assess the state of your pathology and determine the most appropriate treatment for it. You can make an appointment with our expert traumatologists in lumbar spine in the link provided.
Greetings and much encouragement.
Good afternoon .
I had an MRI done and I have a cervical hernia between c3_c5.
My symptoms are dizziness. And my right arm from the shoulder to the elbow feels like it was cut off and in a lot of pain. I can't hold back either. It could be all of these hernia symptoms. Thank you
Hello Loli,
It may be that the cause of the pain is actually the hernia. But a good examination and clinical history are always necessary to see it.
A hug!
Good morning,
Can minimally invasive surgery be used to treat cervical myelopathy caused by osteoarthritis at various levels?
Is it possible to make more than one incision to treat several vertebrae?
Hi Tali,
Yes effectively. We can apply multiple techniques to solve this problem but we must study the case to be able to advise you better, contact our team and we will evaluate it whenever you want.
All the best.
Hello, do you work with Adeslas? Do you have a center in Alicante? I can no longer live with these pains or lead a normal life, I can't sleep, work, any position is unbearable pain, I can't sleep, and I don't know what to do anymore, the vertigo is constant and I spend the day vomiting, I would like to your assessment and a solution, I live conditioned by this and I can't take it anymore, thank you.
Hello Elena, first of all we are very sorry for your situation. Currently we do not have a center in Alicante, you should request an appointment for an online consultation or come to Madrid, ok? A huge hug and lots of encouragement.
Good morning, I think that on the right side of my wife's neck a hernia appeared because it hurts and it has started. Can you help me with the clinic?
Hello Roberto, of course, call us or write through the form and we can schedule a consultation as soon as possible. A hug.
They have specialists or clinics in Mexico
Hello Vicencio, sorry, we do not have headquarters there yet. A hug!
Hello, I am from Mexico, I have 2 cervical hernias and my hands are always numb but now I have electric touches. It can get worse?
Hello Kenya, honestly we should evaluate all the tests to give a diagnosis, but without proper treatment it could worsen over time. All the best.
Good morning doctor, I have had a lot of pain in my neck, my shoulder, my arms, tingling in my arms and hands, first it was in my left arm, but now my right arm also hurts, my legs also hurt, and my back is tingling. That could be a cervical hernia.
Hello Bethzabeth,
To rule out other pathologies we should see you in person, do a physical examination and perform some imaging tests.
That way we can give you an accurate diagnosis.
Make an appointment at our clinic by calling 910 053 900
We will wait for you.
I would like to know where they are located since I had 2 herniated discs at the cervical level and I am experiencing various complications and pain.
Hello Alexander,
We are in Madrid, you can consult all our medical centers athere. You can request your private appointment by calling (34) 910 053 900.
We will wait for you
Good afternoon Doctor, I suffer a lot from headaches and I have lost strength in my left arm, and I feel a lot of weakness in both arms when performing some movements, okay Cervical X-ray I have a severe cervical rectification, severe trapezius contracture. What treatment is advisable
Hello Anadelys,
It is difficult to give you an answer only with the data you provide us. We should evaluate the images and perform a clinical examination to make a diagnosis. We invite you to request an appointment by calling 910 053 900 to evaluate your case personally.
All the best
Hello, I suffer from daily dizziness, I have cervical rectification C4C5C6C7...lately I also have weakness when walking, I cannot lead a normal life, what do you recommend?
Hello Maria Jose,
We recommend that you go to a specialist to start a treatment that improves your quality of life.
Greetings
Hello, I'm Victor, I practice mountain biking, I'm 56 years old and 2 weeks ago I had pain in my neck and it spread to my right arm in the triceps, in addition to tingling in my index and ring fingers constantly… I have a history of column operated in 2012 of the popular L4-L5 with good results
Hello Victor,
Spine cases require in-depth analysis and a lot of expertise.
We recommend you make an appointment at our trauma clinic by calling +34 910 053 900.
Greetings
Hello, I'm from Chile and my mother suffers from cervical pain and she experiences pain in her right arm without being able to move it. She is 79 years old and the pain appeared a week ago and they have given her all the medication and it doesn't go away. What do you advise me to do? ?????
Hello Mirta,
We would have to review the patient's medical history and tests in order to make a recommendation.
We would love to help you more.
Greetings
Hello, I have a hernia between c6 and c7. I have taticcardias. It has to do with the hernia.
Hi Patricia,
We would have to see you in consultation and evaluate your tests and medical history to tell you something.
You can make an appointment by calling 91 005 39 00
Greetings.
Good afternoon, my name is I have three cervical hernias, my neck, back and right arm hurt a lot, what should I do?
Hello Ana,
Come to our office so that one of our spine specialists can evaluate your case and see what you can do.
To make an appointment, call 91 005 39 00.
Greetings
Good evening, it seems that I am starting to have certain problems c5-c6 (stenosis) and c3-c4 (slight ostentosis)
So it's time to start taking a little more care of yourself.
I would like to consult opinions and would also be interested in knowing if you work with Adeslas or any other medical insurance?
Thank you so much
Hello Sonia,
You can schedule an appointment for our specialists to evaluate your case and provide you with a diagnosis and treatment by calling (+34) 91 005 39 00. Our team can also inform you about the insurance companies we work with, as well as the cost of a consultation without insurance.
We remain at your disposal for any other queries.
Greetings.
Dear Dr., I have a cervical hernia at the C5 and C6 levels and I have had an MRI and EMG. The pain is in my arms and I am undergoing physical therapy and exercise therapy. I am applying heat and cold. I have taken metamizole but it does not relieve the pain and today I was prescribed methocarbamol which has helped relieve the pain a bit. I have fibromyalgia which flares up. What would be the best treatment to reduce the pain? I have been prescribed 50 mg Trimipramine at night. Thank you very much for your attention.
Hello Rosario,
Thank you for sharing your case on our blog. Management often requires an approach that may include physical therapy, pain control, specific exercises, and medication adjustments. In cases like yours, it's essential that a specialist evaluate all the studies and medical reports to properly adjust the treatment.
If you wish, you can schedule an appointment with our team for a full assessment and guidance on the next steps.
Greetings.
Hello, good afternoon. I was diagnosed with a C5-C6 cervical hernia two months ago. The doctors told me I needed surgery, otherwise I would start losing mobility. I've already had physical therapy sessions and was prescribed celecixib 200 mg and pregabalin 75 mg. The discomfort has subsided, but I'm experiencing severe headaches.
I would like help
Hello, thank you for writing to us.
In cases of C5-C6 cervical herniated disc, it's positive that the pain has improved, but the onset of headaches can be related to either the cervical pathology itself or the medication. It's important for a specialist to assess whether the origin is cervical, neurological, or a side effect of the treatment.
Since surgery has been indicated due to the risk of loss of mobility, an in-person assessment is highly recommended to review your progress and adjust the treatment safely.
If you wish, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Elgeadi's team in Madrid by calling +34 910 053 900. We are here to help you.
Hello, I have a herniated disc at C3-C4 that slightly affects the spinal cord. Is it possible that I have almost continuous vertigo for this reason? If so, wouldn't it be advisable to replace the disc with microsurgery? The public health system hasn't taken it seriously.
Hi Manuel, a C3-C4 herniated disc that presses on the spinal cord should be evaluated by a spine specialist, especially if there is persistent dizziness, tingling, loss of strength, or balance problems. Surgery is not indicated solely for vertigo, but also for compression and clear neurological symptoms.