Includes herniated nucleus pulposus, degenerative disc disease and internal disc disruption.
Herniated nucleus pulposus indicates extension of annulus fibrosus beyond the posterior margin of the vertebral body.
Degenerative disc disease involves annular tears, loss of disc height and nuclear degradation.
Approximately 80-90% of people have disc generation on MRI imaging by the age of 50 years.
Internal disc disruption is related to annular fissuring of the disc without external deformation.
Radiculopathy can result from nerve root injury or compression by herniated discs or foraminal stenosis.
Cervical nerve disease refers to conditions affecting the nerves in the neck region of the spine.
Common Conditions
Cervical radiculopathy is the most common form, where a nerve root in the cervical spine becomes compressed or irritated.
This typically causes pain that radiates from the neck down into the shoulder, arm, or hand, often accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness.
Causes: herniated discs, bone spurs from arthritis, spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal), degenerative disc disease, or injuries.
These conditions can pinch or compress the nerve roots as they exit the spinal column.
The symptoms depend on which cervical nerve is affected (C1-C8), but commonly include:
Sharp or burning pain radiating down the arm Numbness or tingling in specific fingers or areas of the arm Muscle weakness in the shoulder, arm, or hand Decreased reflexes Neck stiffness or pain that worsens with certain movements
Most cases improve with conservative treatment like physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, and activity modification.
Surgery may be considered if conservative treatment fails or if there’s significant weakness or progressive neurological symptoms.