Herniated disc of the cervical spine
A herniated disc of the cervical spine leads to a constriction of the nerves that come up from the spinal cord (Figure 1) and partially leads to a compression of the spinal cord itself (myelopathy). Myelopathy is discussed in the following section.
The main symptom of a herniated disc of the cervical spine is the localized radiation of pain in the arm. More rarely, the pain also extends between the shoulder blades and up to the back of the head. In some cases, the radiating pains can be very intense. They are sometimes accompanied by additional emotional disturbances and paralysis of the arm and hand musculature.
It is important that the correct required treatment is selected. This involves differentiating between self-limiting or advancing alterations with neurological deficits. The symptoms very often subside of their own accord within 3 months. Surgery is always dependent on a corresponding change in the X-ray and in MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).
In the case of enduring pains or severe paralysis, a surgical procedure becomes an option. The segment of the cervical vertebra is released with an incision from the front and the relevant intervertebral disc is removed under the microscope. If the degenerative changes have not yet advanced very far, the segment can be realigned with an artificial disc with full freedom of movement (Figures 2/3). In the case of advanced degenerative changes, a placeholder (a cage) is inserted into the intervertebral disc space, enabling the adjacent vertebral bodies to fuse. In this situation, the risk that an adjacent segment will become worn down over the next few years is somewhat increased.
Fig. 1: herniated disc of the cervical spine
Fig. 3: Artificial intervertebral discs with head tilted backwards
Fig. 4: Artificial intervertebral discs with head tilted forwards
constricted vertebral canal of the cervical spine
herniated disc of the cervical spine
constricted vertebral canal of the lumbar spine