How serious is cervical disc protrusion?

In some patients, a cervical herniated disc can cause spinal cord compression, where disc material pushes on the spinal cord. This is a much more serious condition and may require a more aggressive treatment plan. Spinal cord compression symptoms include: Awkward or stumbling gait.

Does a disc protrusion cause pain?

A herniated disk, which can occur in any part of the spine, can irritate a nearby nerve. Depending on where the herniated disk is, it can result in pain, numbness or weakness in an arm or leg. Many people have no symptoms from a herniated disk. Surgery is usually not necessary to relieve the problem.

What nerves are affected by C5 and C6?

From the upper trunk C5 and C6 give rise to the nerve to the subclavius, and the suprascapular nerve, that supply the subclavius muscle, and the supra- and infraspinatus muscles, respectively.

How do you stop C5 C6 nerve pain?

Both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications are used to help relieve C5-C6 vertebral and nerve pain. Common medications include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), pain-relieving medication such as opioids and tramadol, and/or corticosteroids.

How do you fix a disc protrusion?

Nonsurgical treatment may include:

Rest. One to 2 days of bed rest will usually help relieve back and leg pain.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs). Medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help relieve pain.
Physical therapy.
Epidural steroid injection.

Does a disc protrusion require surgery?

Fortunately, the majority of herniated discs do not require surgery. With time, the symptoms of sciatica/radiculopathy improve in approximately 9 out of 10 people. The time to improve varies, ranging from a few days to a few weeks.

What does C5 and C6 control?

The C5 dermatome covers the outer part of the upper arm down to about the elbow. C6 helps control the wrist extensors (muscles that control wrist extension) and also provides some innervation to the biceps. The C6 dermatome covers the thumb side of the hand and forearm.

How do I strengthen my C5 C6?

How to perform a chin tuck in a lying down position:

Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
As you look up at the ceiling, lower your chin down to your chest.
Hold for 5 seconds. You should feel a gentle stretch from your neck to the base of your skull.
Repeat this movement up to 10 times.

What causes narrowing of C5 and C6?

Spondylosis (degeneration) of the C5-C6 vertebrae and intervertebral disc occurs at a higher rate compared to other cervical vertebrae. Spondylosis usually results in the formation of bone spurs (osteophytes), eventually leading to stenosis or narrowing of the intervertebral foramina or spinal canal.

What does it mean to have a disc protrusion?

Disc protrusion or a bulging disc The disc’s inner gel like centre pushes into its tough outer shell causing a bulge or protrusion of disc content beyond its normal confinement. This bulge can press against the spinal cord or nerve roots as they exit the spinal cord.

What are the symptoms of C5-C6 spinal pain?

Common Symptoms and Signs Stemming from C5-C6. Vertebral and disc pain from C5-C6 may occur suddenly following an injury or gradually increase over a period of time. Typically, a dull ache or sharp pain may be felt at the back of the neck. The neck’s range of motion may also decrease.

Can a C5-C6 spinal cord injury cause paralysis?

An injury to the spinal cord at the C5-C6 level may cause pain, weakness, or paralysis in the arms and/or legs. There may be loss of bowel and bladder control or breathing problems in some cases. Nonsurgical treatments are often tried first for pain that stems from C5-C6. In rare cases, surgery may be considered.

How is the C5-C6 spinal motion segment treated?

Treatment of the C5-C6 spinal motion segment typically begins with nonsurgical methods. In cases where the neck pain and other symptoms do not improve with nonsurgical treatments, or if the health of a nerve root or the spinal cord worsens, surgery may be considered. Treatment of the C5-C6 spinal motion segment begins with nonsurgical methods.

Can a bulging C5 C6 disc cause tingling?

When the neck becomes straight, doctors can often see immediate changes in the surrounding nerves. This can often lead to the numbness and tingling associated with C5 C6 disc bulging. Patients diagnosed with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) may experience pain. Occasionally, this pain may be associated with a bulging or herniated disc.