Print Article for : Herniated Cervical Disc Treatment

Your Online Guide » Common Illness » Upper Back and Neck Pain

[H298]Herniated Cervical Disc Treatment

by Peter Johnson, Pet

Pain in the arm, shoulder or neck is often a clear indication of a herniated cervical disc. In specific these symptoms may involve any of the following: dull or severe pain between your neck and shoulder blades; pain that shoots down your arm towards your fingers; and a tingling sensation in the shoulder or arm. Turning the neck certain ways and angles can also induce the pain.

A herniated cervical disc is a result of the breaking open of the outer layer of the disc (annulus), which then allows the inner jelly like substance to protrude resulting in the herniated cervical disc. A herniated cervical disc does not always have instant symptoms- it may take time for the pain to be felt, and often the problem is diagnosed by X-ray when patients have a different problem. When the pain of a herniated cervical disc takes hold, patients will want to see a doctor as soon as possible.

There are various aspects and information your doctor or physician will request to aid diagnosing a herniated cervical disc, these include: a physical examination, neurological examination, medical history review, evaluation of your symptoms and breakdown of previous treatments you may have tried. The doctor will also most likely request an X-ray to see if such conditions as osteoarthritis are a related cause. Further to this the doctor may also ask for a CT or MRI scan to locate the herniated cervical disc and to further isolate the extent of the damage. A Myelogram may also be requested if the case is severe.

If the doctor proves that you have a herniated cervical disc, surgery will not be the first treatment option. Your doctor or physician should immediately recommend cold and heat therapy to combat the inflammation in combination with anti inflammatory medications. Physical therapy would also be advisable, under the strict guidance of a physical therapist. Some physical therapy methods include stretching, gentle massage, neck traction, and ice/heat therapy.

The majority of sufferers of a herniated cervical disc will notice a considerable improvement in their symptoms within 4 to 6 weeks. For this reason, conventional treatments usually work, and surgery is not likely to be appropriate nor required, so the news is generally good.

However, it is wise to be prepared for surgery in the event that your herniated cervical disc is a severe case, wherein there may be some compression placed upon the spinal cord. If surgery is recommended as the best treatment option for your herniated cervical disc, try to understand why it is being recommended and possibly seek a second opinion. Surgery on the spine is serious, and need only be performed if all other treatments for a herniated cervical disc have been exhausted.

In medical terminology, many terms are used such as bulging disc, pinched nerve, slipped disc or ruptured disc to describe herniated disc. Spine damage caused by disease, injury or normal wear and tear can lead to herniated disc. Herniated disc condition is the result of inflammation of the disc material caused by aging and compression on the nerve system.

Herniated disc can occur anywhere in the spine. Back pain is the most common symptom of a herniated disc. The treatment option for a herniated disc is chosen, depending on the nature of the patient's pain and presenting symptoms. In most cases, the doctors opt to treat herniated disc in a non-surgical way.

At present, non-surgical herniated disc treatment is widely practiced since it offers positive results for patients with herniated disc. This non-invasive mode of treatment is intended to bring you back to your day-to-day activities by getting rid of the pain and other symptoms that have developed from the herniated disc. Use non-surgical herniated disc treatment to lift the pressure on the nerve roots. This treatment plan is not applicable for patients of all age groups. A combination of different non-surgical herniated disc treatment options is available, and this procedure works best and provides long term relief. Try non-surgical herniated disc treatment plan, which includes:

&bullÂ A short period of bed rest as part of the treatment plan, followed by a gradual increase in activity
&bullÂ Physical therapy and exercise program recommended by physical therapists/health professionals to promote circulation, strengthen and relax the muscles
&bullÂ Medication to control inflammation and pain

Patients with herniated disc disease are relieved from their painful condition after undergoing non-surgical herniated disc treatment program for 6 or 7 weeks. Non surgical herniated disc treatment is economical and provides instant relief from herniated disc problems. As per the nature of the case, the treatment frequency varies. So it is generally suggested by professionals to restore normal movement and function.

Article Source : lumbar pain treatment

About Author

Both Peter Johnson & Igor Stiler are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Peter Johnson has sinced written about articles on various topics from Affiliate Programs, Internet Marketing and Panic Attacks. Want further information on ? Please visit:. Peter Johnson's top article generates over 90500 views. to your Favourites.

Igor Stiler has sinced written about articles on various topics from Backpain, Yoga and Liposuction. Igor Stiler is a medical consultant at , a state of the art multi-specialty office in Brooklyn, NY. By combining. Igor Stiler's top article generates over 40500 views. to your Favourites.