Here at Axis Chiropractic we treat a wide range of musculo-skeletal problems. In a series of blogs we will talk about some of the common conditions we treat and explain in plain terms what is happening an how we can help.

Cervical Disc Herniation

Do You have neck and arm pain? It could be due to a herniated disc in your neck. When a cervical disc herniates, it can impinge on or cause inflammation near one of these cervical nerves, causing pain and other symptoms to radiate along the path of the nerve.

A cervical herniated disc occurs when the inner portion of a disc in the cervical spine—or neck—ruptures through the outer wall of the disc.

In the cervical spine, there are six discs that lie in front of the spinal column and connect each of the 7 cervical vertebrae. Each disc is made up of a soft inner gel-like material called the nucleus pulposus that is encapsulated by a serious of tough outer fibrous bands called the annulus fibrosus.

The discs provide cushioning between the vertebrae at each level, while allowing a great deal of motion in all directions.

At the back of the spine, at each level, a nerve root exits the spinal canal and travels down through the neck, shoulder, and arm, and into the hand and fingers.

In the cervical spine, discs tend to herniate to the side, or laterally, causing irritating to a nerve root on one side. The two most common levels in the cervical spine to herniate are the C5-C6 level and the C6-C7 level.

Not all disc herniation’s require surgery. Treatment for a cervical herniated disc may include nonsurgical options such as Chiropractic care to manage the symptoms. Treatment focuses on reducing the inflammation around the nerve, relaxing and reducing associated muscle spasm and improving the function of the surrounding joints improving pain free range of motion.

If you think you may have a trapped nerve or disc herniation why not give the clinic a call and speak to one of our Chiropractors to see if we can help. Don’t forget we offer a free 20 minute appointment for people to discuss their condition before committing to a new patient appointment. Just call the clinic and ask for a free Chiro check.