Cervical Disc Herniation Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Overview

Neck and upper back pain are common complaints, especially with aging or repetitive physical activity. One frequent cause is a cervical disk herniation.

The spine is made up of a series of bones called vertebrae that stack on top of one another to form the spinal column. Between each vertebra is a disc that acts as a shock absorber and allows flexibility and movement. The discs in the neck region are known as cervical discs.

Each disc has a tough outer layer and a soft, jelly-like center. Over time, or due to injury, the outer layer can weaken or tear. When this happens, the inner material pushes outward, resulting in a herniated cervical disc. This herniation can press on nearby spinal nerves, leading to nerve compression and radiating pain into the shoulder, arm, or hand—a condition known as cervical radiculopathy.

What causes Cervical Disc Herniation?

Several factors can lead to a cervical disc herniation. In many cases, the cause is gradual wear and tear rather than a single injury.

1. How the Injury Occurs

• Age-related degeneration causes disc weakening 
• Repetitive strain on the neck from sports or work activities 
• Sudden twisting or forceful movement of the neck 

2. Common Everyday Causes

• Lifting heavy objects improperly 
• Prolonged poor posture, such as extended computer or phone use 
• Sleeping in awkward neck positions 
• Sudden head or neck movements 

3. Sports Commonly Associated with Cervical Disc Herniation

Athletes in certain sports place repeated stress on the neck, increasing the risk of a herniated cervical disk, including:

• Hockey – frequent collisions and rapid head movements 
• Football – tackling and axial loading of the spine 
• Baseball – repetitive rotational forces during throwing
  
• Golf – repeated twisting of the neck and upper spine

Symptoms

Symptoms of a herniated cervical disc vary depending on which disc is affected and how much nerve compression is present. Pain may be felt in the neck, shoulder, arm, or hand. In some cases, arm symptoms may occur without significant neck pain.

This nerve-related pain pattern is known as cervical radiculopathy.

Common Symptoms Include:

• Pain with coughing or sneezing, which increases spinal pressure 
• Sharp, shooting pain in the arm, often following a nerve pathway 
• Numbness or tingling in the arm or hand
  
• Muscle weakness in the arm or hand, affecting grip or lifting ability

Non-operative treatment

Most cases of cervical disc herniation improve with non-surgical care. Cervical herniated disc treatment typically begins with conservative measures aimed at reducing pain and inflammation while restoring mobility.

Conservative Treatments Include:

• Rest from sports and aggravating activities to reduce disc stress 
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen 
• Muscle relaxants to relieve neck spasms 
• A soft cervical collar, used short-term to limit movement 
• Physical therapy to improve posture, flexibility, and neck strength 

Rehabilitation Exercises

Targeted exercises help relieve pressure on the nerves and restore function.
(Refer to the attached PDF Exercise Program.)

Cervical Disc Herniation

Surgical Treatment

If conservative cervical herniated disc treatment does not relieve symptoms, or if nerve compression causes progressive weakness or numbness, surgery may be recommended. Surgical treatment focuses on removing the portion of the herniated disc that is pressing on the nerve and stabilizing the spine if necessary. The goal is to relieve pain, restore nerve function, and prevent further spinal damage.