Many individuals have been unconsciously conditioned to constantly bend the head forward, especially when engaging in tasks that involve looking at screens. When this position is sustained over extended periods, the natural cervical curve of the lower neck begins to straighten, putting pressure on the intervertebral discs and the surrounding nerves. This is what usually degenerates into a herniated disc condition, specifically in the C5-C6 disc.
However, in most cases , herniation of the C5-C6 disc can be related to injury and neck trauma caused by accidents. It is also possible to relate the development of this condition to the natural wear and tear of the intervertebral discs as the human body ages. The most common symptom of C5-C6 disc herniation is a pain in the lower neck. This can either be a piercing periodic pinch or a constant vibrating ache at the back of the neck. Patients might also notice crepitus in the neck where grinding and cracking sounds are perceived as the neck joints are moved.
Headaches are also commonly related to herniated discs in the cervical spine. The pain experienced in the neck zone can also extend to other parts of the upper body. It usually moves in a radicular pattern from the base of the neck to the arms, where patients will experience sharp aches in the shoulders and hands.
Joints in these regions are also likely to be weakened, specifically the shoulder, elbow, and wrist joints. Numbness and loss of normal sensations in the forearms and fingers can also point to a C5-C6 disc herniation, as the C5-C6 nerve root controls this area of the skin. While these symptoms can be good indicators of a potential disc herniation, it is always advisable to consult a seasoned medical practitioner for a proper diagnosis.
The diagnostic process often involves a CT or MRI scan, through which the location and severity of the herniated disc can be adequately assessed. There are a plethora of non-surgical treatment options for C5-C6 disc herniation.
Each of these options carries pros and cons; hence recovery time will vary widely depending on the course pursued by the patient. They include physical therapy, prescription medication, and injections. Post-diagnosis, the surgeon can prescribe the most appropriate treatment method for the herniated disc condition.
Many times, a simple change in posture supported by neck braces can be sufficient to eliminate minor symptoms associated with C5-C6 disc herniation. Manual therapy is also a viable option, and patients can fully recover over days or weeks.
The sooner you get a diagnosis, the sooner you can start active treatment and get some relief. If you have already been diagnosed with C5-C6 disc bulging, and wanted to learn about conservative treatment, contact us today. Most often, a trip to see your doctor and discuss your experienced C5-C6 disc bulging symptoms would result in a physical exam, imaging tests, and neurological testing.
From there, you can be referred to a specialist who will work with you to choose your course of treatment. Someone seeking traditional medical treatment for their C5-C6 disc bulging is often looking to remedy the pain and discomfort disrupting their daily life. This treatment will likely involve being prescribed medication such as steroids for inflammation, injections, physical therapy, disc surgery, or spinal-fusion surgery.
For example, in spinal-fusion surgery, compromised intervertebral discs are removed and the vertebrae are fused together to form one solid bone. Rods and screws are used to hold the bones in place while they heal in a straighter alignment; this, however, comes at the cost of flexibility, not to mention a whole host of other potential risks and complications.
Here at the Scoliosis Reduction Center , we opt for a different treatment approach, one that addresses the underlying structural cause of the condition. Whether your bulging disc is caused by scoliosis, or another cause, our approach has proven results that carry few, if any, side effects, and is effective and sustainable. Here at the Center, we believe in an integrative approach to treating scoliosis and related issues, such as bulging discs. In this scenario, we would address the underlying cause of the bulging disc, the scoliosis, treat it accordingly, and watch related issues and symptoms lessen as the scoliosis is addressed.
Next, we want to work towards stabilizing and supporting the spine so it can maintain its corrective position. Mitchell Lattof December 2, Car Accidents. Car accidents and falls are common causes of neck injuries. These personal injury accidents can cause chronic pain and debilitating conditions for individuals. The spinal column is made up of the tendons, muscles, and bones that protect the spinal cord. It begins at the base of the skull and ends at the tailbone.
The bones in the spinal column are called vertebrae. The cervical spine has seven vertebrae. They are identified as C1 through C7. These bones have several purposes. Rothman Orthopaedic Institute provides the latest and best treatment for cervical disc herniation. Most treatment options will fall into the following three categories:.
Conservative treatment starts with rest, with a cervical collar or neck brace used to stabilize the neck as it heals. Physical therapy is another essential component of recovering from any type of herniation.
Exercises, traction, ultrasound, electrical muscle stimulation, and whirlpool treatments are techniques utilized by the physical therapists at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute. In cases where the patient is experiencing severe pain, an epidural steroid injection may be performed to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Anterior cervical decompression and spinal fusion : This is the most common surgical method used to treat a cervical herniation. First, a discectomy or surgical removal of the disc is performed through an open incision.
In order to prevent the spine from collapsing or other functional problems, the bones are fused together with a bone graft, plate, and screws. The bone graft fills the space between the vertebrae where the disc was for the spinal fusion. Other herniated disc surgeries : The type of surgery recommended will depend on the severity and characteristics of the disc condition. Minimally-invasive techniques include foraminotomy, which is a method used to create space for the spinal nerve being pinched.
The spinal surgeon will remove anything that is pressing on the nerve in the foramen, where the nerves pass through the spinal cord to other parts of the body.
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