Disc pathologies of the cervical spine (neck): disc bulge, disc narrowing, disc herniation or disc protrusion and their treatments
Disc pathologies of the cervical spine (neck): disc bulge, disc narrowing, disc herniation or disc protrusion and their treatments
The cervical spine is a complex and essential structure of our body that supports the head and protects the spinal cord. It is made up of vertebrae, intervertebral discs and ligaments. Cervical disc pathologies are common and can cause neck pain, stiffness and neurological symptoms. Common disc pathologies include disc bulging, disc narrowing, and disc herniation or disc protrusion. In this article, we will explore these different pathologies and their possible treatments, with an emphasis on spinal decompression.
Cervical disc pathologies: definitions and symptoms
- Disc bulge :
- Deformation of the intervertebral disc without rupture of the fibrous annulus
- Symptoms: neck pain, stiffness, radiating to the shoulders, arms or head
- Disc pinch :
- Reduction of the space between two vertebrae due to wear of the intervertebral disc
- Symptoms: neck pain and stiffness, headache, radiating pain
- Disc protrusion or herniation :
- Displacement of the gelatinous core of the intervertebral disc with deformation of the fibrous ring without rupture
- Symptoms: severe neck pain, muscle weakness, numbness, tingling sensation in arms and hands
Risk factors for cervical disc pathologies
- Advanced age
- Overweight
- Sedentary work
- Trauma (car accidents, falls, etc.)
- Practice of impact sports (rugby, American football, etc.)
- Family history of disc problems
Treatments for cervical disc pathologies
Here is a comparative table of the different treatments for cervical disc pathologies, emphasizing neurovertebral decompression:
| Treatments | Efficiency | Benefits | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spinal decompression | Very effective | Non-invasive, fast relief, tissue healing | Requires multiple sessions, cost |
| Osteopathy | Effective | Global approach, prevention of recurrences | Less specific for disc pathologies |
| Medicines (anti-inflammatories, analgesics) | Temporarily effective | Easy to reach, fast relief | Side effects, addiction, ineffective in the long term |
| Injections (corticosteroids) | Temporarily effective | Quick relief | Risks of infection, side effects, cost |
Conclusion
Disc pathologies in the cervical spine are common conditions that can cause significant pain and discomfort. Disc bulging, disc pinching and disc herniation or disc protrusion are the most common disc pathologies and present similar symptoms.
Neurovertebral decompression is a very effective non-surgical treatment for these pathologies. It provides rapid pain relief, heals damaged tissue and reduces the risk of recurrence. Compared to other treatments, spinal decompression offers many advantages, including its non-invasiveness, its ability to specifically target disc problems, and its ease of adaptation on a case-by-case basis.
It is important to consult a health professional as soon as symptoms appear to benefit from an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. At the same time, adopting a healthy lifestyle, in particular by regularly practicing appropriate physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight, contributes to the prevention of cervical disc pathologies.