Cervical Disc Herniation
What is a Cervical Disc Herniation?
A disc is an shock absorbing A cervical disc herniation occurs when your inner gel-like nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc herniates through a weakened outer annulus, pressing on nearby nerves or the spinal cord and causing narrowing “stenosis” of the holes “foramina” where the nerves travel. This can cause neck pain, nerve irritation, and referred symptoms in the arm and hand.
Signs & Symptoms
- Neck pain and stiffness, often worse with movement.
- Radicular pain (shooting pain) into the shoulder, arm, or hand if the herniation compresses a nerve root.
- Tingling, numbness, or weakness in the affected nerve distribution (depends on which cervical level is involved).
- Limited neck mobility, especially with extension or rotation.
- Muscle weakness in the arm if severe nerve compression occurs.
- In rare cases, spinal cord compression (myelopathy) can cause balance issues, weakness in both arms and legs, and coordination difficulties.
Causes of Cervical Disc Herniation
- Repetitive stress or poor posture (e.g., prolonged sitting, forward head posture, excessive screen use).
- Sudden trauma or whiplash injuries (e.g., car accidents, falls, or sports injuries).
- Aging and disc degeneration (natural wear-and-tear reduces disc hydration and flexibility).
- Heavy lifting or improper biomechanics (causing excessive spinal compression).
How PhysioActive Successfully Treats Your Cervical Disc Herniation
At PhysioActive, we use a multimodal approach to relieve symptoms, restore function, and prevent recurrence.
1. Pain Management & Nerve Decompression
- Manual Therapy & Joint Mobilization:
- Gentle cervical traction to relieve disc pressure.
- Soft tissue release to reduce muscle guarding and improve mobility.
- Spinal Decompression Therapy (if indicated)
- Manual or mechanical traction to reduce nerve compression.
- Postural Re-Education & Ergonomic Correction
- Address forward head posture and poor movement habits.
2. Isometric & Progressive Loading Exercises
- Isometric Neck Holds (to reduce pain and improve stability).
- Chin Tucks & Deep Neck Flexor Training (to improve postural endurance).
- Gentle Mobility Work (to maintain range of motion without aggravating symptoms).
3. Strengthening & Stability Training
- Scapular and Upper Back Strengthening
- Emphasizing lower traps, rhomboids, and serratus anterior to offload neck strain.
- Core & Postural Training
- Engaging the deep core muscles to stabilize the spine and reduce compensation patterns.
4. Shockwave Therapy (For Chronic Cases)
- Stimulates circulation and healing in chronic pain cases where soft tissue tightness contributes to symptoms.
- Reduces inflammation and promotes tissue remodeling.
5. Return to Activity & Prevention
- Gradual Progression to Functional Movements
- Integrating sports-specific or work-related exercises to prevent re-injury.
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Education on Safe Lifting Mechanics & Postural Awareness
- Teaching strategies to avoid future disc stress.
💡 Surgical Referral:
- If severe neurological symptoms persist (e.g., progressive weakness, loss of bowel/bladder control, or myelopathy symptoms), PhysioActive will collaborate with specialists for further evaluation.
Why Choose PhysioActive for Cervical Disc Herniation?
- Expert Manual Therapy for pain relief and mobility restoration.
- Evidence-Based Strengthening & Postural Training to prevent recurrence.
- Comprehensive Approach combining spinal decompression, exercise therapy, and shockwave treatment when needed.
- Interdisciplinary Care for long-term recovery.
