Have you ever experienced neck pain or stiffness that radiates down your arms? Do you see symptoms like numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms, hands, or fingers? If yes, then you might be experiencing cervical disc herniation symptoms. Cervical disc herniation occurs when the discs situated between your neck’s spinal bones become damaged or ruptured. The condition can cause varying degrees of discomfort, pain, and functional limitations, impacting your daily life. In this blog post, we will share some insights into cervical disc herniation symptoms, what causes them, and how physiotherapy or chiropractic care can help you manage the symptoms and improve your quality of life.
What causes cervical disc herniation symptoms?
Many factors can cause cervical disc herniation, including repetitive stress, aging, disc degeneration, and acute injury. Your cervical spine discs lose their elasticity and water as you age, increasing the risk of injury and herniation. Additionally, ongoing postural stress, from prolonged sitting, working, or poor posture, can increase the likelihood that cervical discs will become herniated. Auto accidents and sports injuries involving whiplash or direct trauma to the neck can also lead to acute cervical disc herniation.
What are the common cervical disc herniation symptoms?
Cervical disc herniation symptoms typically occur when the damaged disc presses against a nearby nerve. The following are some common cervical disc herniation symptoms:
- Neck pain or stiffness that radiates down to the shoulder, arms, hands, or fingers.
- Pins-and-needles sensation, numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms, hands, or fingers.
- Headaches, especially at the base of the skull.
- Increased pain or numbness when you move your neck or turn your head.
- Difficulty gripping or holding objects, reduced fine motor skills.
- Muscle spasms, especially in the shoulder or neck areas.
How Can Physiotherapy or Chiropractic Care Help With Cervical Disc Herniation Symptoms
Physiotherapy and chiropractic care can help reduce or alleviate your cervical disc herniation symptoms. Depending on the cause and severity of the symptoms, your practitioner may use several techniques, such as:
Spinal manipulation: This hands-on technique involves applying controlled movements to the spine to improve spinal function, reduce nerve irritability, and restore mobility.
Soft tissue massage: Massage therapy can help ease muscle tension and pain around the affected area, reducing pain and improving mobility.
Stretching and strengthening exercises: These exercises can help restore mobility, improve flexibility, enhance muscle strength, and reduce the risk of future injury.
Postural correction: Correcting your posture can help reduce the pressure on your cervical spine discs, reducing your pain and discomfort.
Cervical disc herniation symptoms can cause debilitating discomfort and impact your quality of life. However, with the right professional care you can alleviate the symptoms and achieve a full recovery. Physiotherapy and chiropractic care are viable treatment options that focus on alleviating the root cause of the symptoms, restoring your mobility, strength and function. Here at CARESPACE Health+Wellness, we have a team of experienced physiotherapists and chiropractors who specialize in treating cervical disc herniation symptoms. We can help you assess your symptoms, develop a personalized treatment plan, and support your recovery journey through effective therapy and rehabilitation techniques. Don’t let cervical disc herniation symptoms hold you back from enjoying your life fully. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and get started on your path to recovery.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Dr. Tyler Baron, BASc, DC, or another Kitchener chiropractor at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
