What is a Cervical Spine Bulging Disc

If a bulging disc occurs in the neck, it is known as a cervical spine disc bulge. Below, we will explore the basics of this spine condition, as well as the available treatments. With treatment, the majority of patients are able to find long-lasting relief from their pain and other symptoms.

Understanding the Spine

The spine is divided into three sections: the cervical spine (neck), thoracic spine (upper back), and lumbar spine (lower back). The spine contains vertebrae and discs; each vertebrae is separated by a disc, which helps provide flexibility and absorb shock. A cervical spine disc bulge occurs when one of the discs in the spine becomes misshapen. Although lumbar spine disc bulges are very common, cervical spine disc bulges are relatively less common.

Symptoms of Cervical Spine Disc Bulge

Because the nerves in the cervical spine go to all other parts of the body, symptoms can occur in the neck, back, arms, legs, or even the pelvis in rare cases. Some possible symptoms include: 

• Pain in the neck or back
• Pain in the arms or legs
• Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
• Muscle weakness in the arms or legs

You should see a doctor if you have had pain for a week or longer. In addition, you should contact a doctor right away if your symptoms are getting progressively worse, if your symptoms are severe, or if you have neurological symptoms like muscle weakness or numbness.

Treatment Options

The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms while using the most minimally invasive procedure available. Doctors will usually start with the least invasive methods and only move on to invasive methods if non-invasive techniques are ineffective. However, sometimes surgery is used as the first course of treatment for severe cases. 

Treatment options include:

• Physical therapy
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen and naproxen
• Steroid injections
• Chiropractic treatment (in conjunction with medical treatment)
• Laser spine surgery
• Traditional spine surgery

It should be noted that surgical treatment is more likely to be necessary for cervical spine disc bulges than for bulging discs in other parts of the spine, because conditions affecting this part of the spine are more likely to threaten the patient's overall health.

Dr. Sukdeb Datta would be happy to meet with you about treatment for your cervical spine disc bulge. To schedule your consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call the Datta Endoscopic Back Surgery and Pain Center at (212) 430-0312.