Cervical disc prolapse

Cervical disc prolapse is a condition where the inner gelatinous substance (nucleous pulposis) of the disc escapes through a tear in the outer fibrous ring which can cause compression of the spinal cord or the nerve.

Causes

• Normal aging process
• Exaggerated wear and tear of the disc
• Injury to the cervical spine

Symptoms

• Pain in shoulder, arm, and hand
• Numbness, tingling and weakness along the Upper limb
• Rarely imbalance, gait disturbance and bladder and bowel problems

Diagnosis
X ray and MRI scan will be ordered to identify a herniated disc

Treatment

• Conservative treatment – pain medications, muscle relaxants, physical therapy, spinal injections.
• Surgery – If symptoms are not relieved, then, Surgery. Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is performed through the front of the neck to remove a herniated disc from the cervical spine region.

Your surgeon will discuss surgical options and suggests you the appropriate treatment plan.