What Are the Symptoms When You Blow a Disc in Your Neck?

When people speak of blowing a disc in the neck, they are referring to herniated cervical disc injury. The disc, or cartilage between vertebrae, cracks. Subsequently, the jelly-like nucleus seeps out and exerts pressure on spinal nerves, giving rise to numerous adverse symptoms.

Symptoms in General

• A herniated cervical disc usually causes sharp pain, numbness and weakness in the neck and in other muscles.

C6-C7 Level Symptoms

• The seven cervical vertebrae are numbered C1 to C7. Nerve root damage between the sixth and seventh cervical vertebrae can cause weakness and radiating pain from the triceps to the middle finger.

C4-C5 and C5-C6 Level Symptoms

• Herniated discs between the fourth and fifth cervical vertebrae can cause weakness in the deltoid or shoulder muscle. A herniated disc between the fifth and sixth cervical vertebrae can cause numbness and tingling pain down the biceps muscle to the thumb side of the hand.

Treatments

• People with a herniated cervical disc need to rest and use ice, especially the first few days. Ice helps keep the initial inflammation, swelling and pain under control. Once swelling subsides, a heating pad can increase the flow of blood, which carries oxygen and nutrients necessary for healing. Other treatment options are discussed on spine-health.com.

Time Frame

• A herniated cervical disc can heal on its own with proper treatment. The time frame can vary from a couple of weeks to several months.

Prevention/Solution

• Cervical discs become more vulnerable as a person ages. Stretching and strength-building exercises can increase flexibility and stability in the neck and minimize the chance of disc injury.