1-

• Contact Laser Spine Institute
• Request MRI Review
• Medical Spine Seminar

You are here

• Home
• »
• Spine Conditions
• »
• Disc Protrusion Articles
• »
• Disc Protrusion Articles
• »
• Neck Disc Protrusion

Neck Disc Protrusion

A neck disc protrusion is a condition in which an intervertebral disc in the cervical region of the spine (the neck) has pushed beyond its normal cylindrical boundaries, invading the surrounding spaces. Pain and other symptoms occur when such a protrusion presses on nerve roots or the spinal cord.

To fully understand the discomfort that a neck disc protrusion can cause, one need only consider the many simple activities, like nodding, reading, laughing, sleeping, or driving, that rely on the smooth motion and structural integrity of the neck. Naturally, any part of the body with this much responsibility will begin to wear out after years of work. The sections of the spine that undergo some of the most wear and tear are the intervertebral discs, which are soft pads located between the vertebrae and are charged with connecting the spine together, padding it, and giving it a wide range of motion.

As the intervertebral discs weaken, they may lose their shape and push beyond the vertebral circumference. This process can create a bulge or protrusion of disc material that applies extra pressure to surrounding spinal nerves. Thus, a disc protrusion in the neck, even if it is a mild disc protrusion, can cause traveling pain, tingling, numbness, and loss of mobility.

When you talk with your doctor, try to be accurate and honest when describing your pain associated with neck disc protrusion. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Do I experience severe headaches?
• Do I ever feel a prolonged, dull ache in my neck?
• Do I feel sharp pain radiating down my shoulders and arms?
• Do my hands ever go numb?
• Do my arms and/or hands feel weak?

Click Here to see how you can get your life back in 5 days

If you are affected by any of the above symptoms, you may have a neck disc protrusion or you may be suffering from other nerve damage. Make sure to talk to your doctor about receiving a diagnosis for your condition and the treatments available to ease your pain. Laser Spine Institute (LSI) also may be able to help. Our minimally invasive, endoscopic procedures for the neck and back are performed on an outpatient basis. We’ve helped tens of thousands of people around the world with a range of back and neck conditions. Contact us today for more information and to receive a free review of your MRI or CT scan.

Please note: Laser Spine Institute currently does not perform endoscopic procedures on the thoracic spine.