What Will Heal a Herniated Cervical Disc?

Your doctor can recommend treatments for a herniated cervical disc.

Symptoms of a herniated cervical disc include headaches, pain in your neck and pain that can travel down one of your arms. Your doctor can diagnose the damaged disc and explain which treatment options will work for you.

Herniated Cervical Disc

A cervical disc is a soft, rubbery cushion that lies between the vertebrae in your neck. A herniated disc occurs when part of the disc's center pushes out through its walls. The protruding part of the disc can put pressure on nearby nerves, which can cause pain.

Medication

Medication can treat the symptoms of your herniated cervical disc. Pain relievers will reduce your discomfort and anti-inflammatory medications will reduce swelling.

Non-invasive Treatments

Non-invasive treatments for a herniated disc include traction, exercises to strengthen the muscles around the disc, massage and stretching.

Invasive Treatments

When performing surgery for a herniated cervical disc, your doctor will remove the disc and replace it with a piece of bone. Metal rods could be needed to hold the bone and your vertebrae in place.

Considerations

More than 90 percent of people who experience a herniated cervical disc recover without needing invasive surgery.

References

• MedlinePlus: Herniated Disk
• Chicago Institute of Neurosurgery and Neuroresearch: Cervical Herniation
• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Herniated Disk