Cervical Disc Herniation

What it is

A cervical disc herniation occurs when disc material in the neck displaces and compresses a nearby nerve root or, less commonly, the spinal cord itself.

Symptoms

• Neck pain, sometimes radiating between the shoulder blades
• Arm pain, numbness or tingling following a specific nerve pattern
• Weakness in specific arm or hand movements
• Symptoms aggravated by certain neck positions

Causes

• Age-related cervical disc degeneration
• Repetitive neck strain
• Trauma

Diagnosis

Clinical examination assesses the specific pattern of arm symptoms, strength and reflexes to localise the affected nerve level, confirmed with MRI.

MRI findings

MRI shows a focal disc herniation compressing the exiting nerve root, and, in some cases, the spinal cord.

Non-surgical treatment

• Physiotherapy and posture-focused rehabilitation
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Cervical traction in selected cases
• Selective nerve-root injections

When surgery may be considered

Surgery is considered when arm symptoms persist despite conservative treatment, when there is progressive weakness, or when the spinal cord is significantly compressed.

Surgical options

• ACDF (anterior cervical discectomy and fusion)
• Cervical disc replacement
• Posterior cervical foraminotomy in selected cases

Recovery

Arm pain often improves rapidly after surgery; most patients resume light activity within 1–2 weeks and are guided through a structured return to full activity over 6–8 weeks.

Risks

• Adjacent segment degeneration after fusion
• Hoarseness or swallowing difficulty (usually temporary)
• Infection
• Nerve irritation

Questions to ask your surgeon

• Is surgery necessary now, or can it reasonably wait?
• What non-surgical options are appropriate for my case?
• What are the realistic risks and recovery timeline for me specifically?

Indicative treatment cost

Costs vary by procedure and case complexity. See the spine surgery cost page for indicative planning ranges.

Frequently asked questions