Cervical Herniated Disc Treatment: Motion-Preserving Options
A herniated disc in the neck presses on a nerve root or, less commonly, the spinal cord. Most patients have neck pain with pain, tingling or weakness radiating into the shoulder, arm or hand. As with the lumbar spine, the majority improve with time and conservative care.
When surgery is needed, Dr. Daggubati favors motion-preserving cervical disc replacement in appropriate candidates, with ACDF (fusion) as the alternative where replacement is not suitable. Both are performed through a small incision in a skin crease at the front of the neck, typically with a one-night or same-day stay.
Symptoms
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Pain radiating into the shoulder blade, arm or fingers
- Numbness or tingling in specific fingers
- Weakness in the arm or grip
- Clumsiness or gait change (if the spinal cord is compressed)
How it is diagnosed
MRI of the cervical spine; X-rays for alignment; EMG when the picture is unclear.
Treatment options
Without surgery
Physical therapy, anti-inflammatories, short steroid course, traction, epidural or nerve root injections.
Surgical options Dr. Daggubati offers
- Cervical disc replacement (artificial disc)
- Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF)
- Posterior cervical foraminotomy (minimally invasive, no fusion)
Common questions
Disc replacement or fusion — which is better?
For a single- or two-level disc herniation in a patient with good bone quality and preserved motion, disc replacement maintains movement and may lower the chance of adjacent-level problems. Fusion remains the better choice for instability, severe arthritis or certain alignments. We review your images with you and explain why one fits better.
Not sure this is you?
Bring your imaging and your story. A single visit usually clarifies what is going on and which options are realistic. Request an appointment or call (301) 718-9611.