Herniated Disc in Neck


Herniated Disc in Neck – Causes, Symptoms, Treatment


herniated disc in the neck

If you are experiencing a herniated disc in neck, then there are certain facts to be aware of. This page will give an overview of what a herniated disc in the neck means and how this issue can be helped.

There are numerous causes, symptoms and treatments for this problem, all of which can be answered with the proper education and follow up. Find out what a this condition is, the causes, the different symptoms that can diagnose this problem, and what you can do for treatment.

What is a Herniated Disc in the Neck

A herniated disc in the neck is also referred to as a cervical herniated disc, as it takes place in the cervical spine. This part of the spine consists of seven vertebral bones: C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6 and C7. In between each two of these vertebrae there is a so called intervertebral disc, that makes the spine flexible and absorbs all the shock it gets.

The following video shows the anatomy of the human spine in the neck region and demonstrates very nicely how a neck disc functions.

As seen in the video, each intervertebral disc consists of two main elements: the inner part or, nucleus pulposus, and the outer ring, or annulus fibrosus. The most common neck discs to herniate are the C6-C7, the C5-C6 and the C4-C5 disc.

So what exactly happens when a disc herniates? Following a deterioration from either aging or trauma, this inner part protrudes through the outer ring and possibly touches the spinal nerve. This in turn can cause intense pain.

What Causes a Herniated Neck Disc?

The immediate cause of a a disc injury in your neck is either some kind of trauma, an accident or a sudden wrong movement, or alternatively it can be just the simple aging process. Notice that we called these just the “immediate”, or direct causes, because that is what usually seems the cause to the logic mind.

However, before this incident that apparently triggered the problem, years and years of weak or unbalanced muscles lead to a wrong posture. This is the actual root cause of the disc herniation, even if it doesn’t seem obvious.

Symptoms of a Herniated Disc in Neck

Thankfully, with today’s advanced technology and extensive research, these discs can be discovered and treated to relieve the pain and heal the ailment. It is important to know your symptoms and discuss them with your doctor in order to properly diagnose this condition.

Symptoms of a bulging disc in neck can include but are not limited to pain, up to severe shooting pain through your neck, pinching, numbness, weakness and tingling in the area of the neck and even in your arm. If you are experiencing some, or all, of these symptoms, it is likely that you have a herniated disc in neck and you should seek professional help right away.

Herniated Disc in Neck Treatment

There are several different treatments for herniated discs in the neck that can be minimal to extensive procedures. If the discs are unable to heal themselves, many doctors will suggest stretching exercises and anti-inflammatory medications. Other times, patients may need to seek the practices of a chiropractor or physical therapist to relieve these bulging discs. In severe cases, surgery is required which can range from many different types of surgical technology.

All these treatments will help you get some pain relief, but only temporarily. In order to get lasting pain relief, you must address the original cause of the problem, the unbalanced muscles, as mentioned above. There is light at the end of the tunnel, and by acknowledging you have this ailment, you are well on your way to both treat and cure your herniated disc in neck.

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C7-T1 Herniated Disc


herniated disc in the neck

A c7-t1 herniated disc is a rather uncommon occurrence of a herniated disc in the neck. A very small percentage of the diagnosed spinal disc injuries actually happen at this particular level, as the c7-t1 disc is very robust and generally resistant to injury.

Although very rare, a c7-t1 disc herniation might become painful if a spinal nerve gets irritated or inflamed. This article talks about these symptoms as well as the treatment options for a herniated disc in neck at this level.

What Exactly Does C7-T1 Mean?

There are seven backbones that are counted among the neck vertebrae. They are numbered from c1 to c7, where the letter “C” stands for “cervical”. The term comes from the Latin and implies something pertaining to the neck. Right below the last cervical back bone, the c7 vertebra, we start counting the so-called “thoracic” vertebrae, which are numbered t1, t2 etc.

So when we speak of a c7-t1 disc, we mean the intervertebral disc that sits in between the c7 and t1 vertebrae. This disc is a very strong one, as it separates the cervical spine from the thoracic spine. The intervertebral discs are designed to support our spine, serving as shock absorbers and facilitators to make the spine flexible.

C7 T1 Symptoms & C8 Radiculopathy

As already mentioned, the c7-t1 disc is typically very strong and resilient, which is why it rarely herniates due to wear and tear, as it is the case with other neck or lower back discs. Thus, the most frequent cause of a disc herniation at this level is major shock due to some kind of accident.

Some of the symptoms associated with a bulging disc c7-t1 are due to the impingement of certain spinal nerve roots. The typical nerve root affected by a herniation at this level is the c8 nerve root.

When the t8 nerve root gets irritated, the patient may feel radiating pain, tingling and numbness along the arm down to the little finger. At the same time, the victim may have difficulties with squeezing or holding something between their fingers. These symptoms are also referred to as c8 radiculopathy.

C7-T1 Fusion Surgery

When the nerve gets compressed due to a bulging or herniating disc c7-t1, some patients opt for surgery. The most common operation performed at this spine level is the anterior cervical discectomy with fusion. This type of surgery helps decompress the spine through removal of the disc and fusion of the spine.

A surgery for a disc herniation should be the absolutely last option you consider after every other treatment has failed. One of the downsides of this operation is that the mobility of your neck might remain limited afterwards. You can watch a video that shows an animation example of the procedure in the right sidebar of this page.

Getting Rid of C7-T1 Pain Forever

Before opting for a surgery, every sufferer of a disc herniation should try fixing the problem with conventional methods. At first, some rest and anti-inflammatory medicine will help with the acute pain, after which a herniated disc treatment should be started.

Many times the root cause of the herniation can be reversed if you take the right measures. Take a look at the Lose the Neck Pain System to learn how you can achieve lasting results and get rid of the pain caused by your c7-t1 herniated disc.

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