Cervical Bulging Disc (Neck)

A cervical bulging disc is a condition in which a bulging disc is located in the neck. When this type of bulge occurs, the symptoms will mostly be felt in the neck, shoulders, arms, and hands. It is important to note that a cervical bulging disc can carry with it extra dangers and, in some extreme cases, it could lead to paralysis. Therefore, if you think you might be suffering from this condition, you should seek the advice of a doctor as soon as possible.

The cervical (or neck) area of the spine consists of seven vertebrae labeled C1-C7. Each of these vertebrae is cushioned by round discs that serve as shock absorbers and also help to keep your neck flexible. If any of these discs becomes weakened, a spot on the disc may push out, almost like a small bubble or balloon. In cases of cervical bulging disc, the bulge does not break open – if the bulge does break open and leak, it is called a cervical herniated disc.

Cervical bulging disc is mainly caused by aging. As we get older, it is normal for the discs in our neck and spine to weaken, and any weak area in a disc might give way to create a bulge. If the bulging disc presses upon nerves in the neck, the following symptoms can develop in the neck, shoulders, arms, wrists, hands, and chest:

• Pain
• Weakness
• Numbness
• Tingling

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It is not unusual for the pain and tingling of a cervical bulging disc to radiate through the shoulders, arms, hands, and fingers. Rarely, weakness and tingling can occur in the legs and other parts of the body. People who suffer from these symptoms often find it increasingly difficult to function in everyday life. For those who want relief from their neck pain, doctors might recommend medication, physical therapy, exercise, cervical traction, braces, injections, and other treatments.

In certain cases, cervical bulging disc symptoms last more than 2-3 months and the pain is severe which may lead a doctor to recommend surgery. If surgery has been recommended for your bulging disc symptoms, we invite you to contact Laser Spine Institute about our outpatient, minimally invasive procedures that can help you get your life back in less than a week.

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