Author: Mr Oliver Eaton BSc (Hons), PG.Cert – Orthopaedic Specialist
Reviewed by: Mr William Sharples BSc (Hons) – Pain Management Expert
Last Updated: September 2025
In this article, you will find out everything you need to know about cervical disc herniation and the most effective ways to treat it, including an advanced treatment called prolotherapy.
Exploring the Basics of Cervical Disc Herniation
The cervical spine consists of seven vertebrae and six intervertebral discs, which act as shock absorbers and allow for neck flexibility. A herniated disc occurs when the inner nucleus pulposus ruptures through the tough outer annulus fibrosus, often pressing on nerves and causing pain, numbness, or weakness. Causes include age-related degeneration, trauma, and poor lifting techniques. Not all herniations cause symptoms, but when they do, cervical radiculopathy can result, leading to neck pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness.
Identifying the Symptoms of a Herniated Cervical Disc
Symptoms can range from none to severe, including:
- Neck pain
- Shooting pain down the arm
- Muscle spasms
- Hand weakness or numbness
The specific symptoms depend on which nerve roots are affected. For example, a C4/5 herniation may cause shoulder pain, while C5/6 can affect the biceps and forearm. Neurological signs like numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness are common, and severe cases may involve loss of bowel or bladder control.
Pain and Discomfort
Pain is the most common symptom, often radiating from the neck to the shoulders and arms. The pattern depends on the affected disc level. For example, C6/7 herniation can cause pain from the neck to the triceps and forearm, sometimes disrupting sleep.
Neurological Signs
Muscle weakness, numbness, and tingling follow specific nerve patterns. Severe compression can cause loss of bowel/bladder control and requires urgent medical attention.
Prolotherapy
In recent years, Prolotherapy has built its reputation within the medical community for its clinically proven ability to treat cervical disc herniation.
Published research has proven its pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory and regenerative benefits.
Prolotherapy involves injecting a natural regenerative solution with tiny needles. This has been shown to stimulate the production of collagen cells, the small cells needed to repair the damage and help herniated discs.
As prolotherapy is helping to treat the root cause of herniated discs, it is deemed to be a permanent fix, preventing the symptoms from returning.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this section is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Prolotherapy may not be suitable for everyone, and outcomes can vary. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional regarding your specific medical condition or treatment options. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of information you have read here.
The Culprits Behind Disc Herniation
Cervical disc herniation can result from age-related degeneration, lifestyle factors (like smoking), trauma, or improper lifting. As discs age, they dry out and weaken, making them more prone to bulging or rupturing. Acute trauma can cause sudden, severe symptoms.
Diagnosing a Herniated Cervical Disc
Diagnosis involves a neurological exam and imaging. MRI is the gold standard for visualizing herniated discs, while X-rays and CT scans help assess bone structure and alignment. Imaging is especially important if severe symptoms or nerve compression are suspected.
Conservative Treatment Strategies
Most cases are managed conservatively with rest, pain management, physical therapy, and alternative therapies like acupuncture or yoga. NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, oral steroids, and corticosteroid injections are commonly used for pain relief. TENS therapy and spinal decompression may also help.
Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
Physical therapy focuses on strengthening neck, abdominal, and back muscles, improving posture, and reducing strain on the cervical spine. Modalities like ice, heat, ultrasound, and TENS can relieve pain and support recovery.
When Surgery Becomes Necessary
Surgery is considered if symptoms persist after six months of conservative treatment or if there is severe nerve damage. The most common procedure is Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF), which removes the damaged disc and fuses the vertebrae. Artificial disc replacement and posterior cervical discectomy are alternatives, depending on the case.
Recovery Post-Surgery
Recovery time varies by procedure. Anterior surgeries like ACDF or artificial disc replacement usually have faster recovery than posterior approaches. Post-op care includes wearing a neck brace, limiting activities, and gradually returning to normal function. Full recovery can take 6-12 weeks.
Preventing Further Disc Issues
Maintain good posture, avoid activities that strain the neck, and engage in regular neck-strengthening exercises. A healthy diet and lifestyle support strong vertebrae and reduce the risk of future herniation.
Living with Cervical Herniated Discs
Long-term management includes pain control, physical therapy, and lifestyle adjustments. Stress management and regular stretching can help reduce chronic symptoms. Ongoing monitoring is important to address any changes promptly.
Summary
Cervical disc herniation can cause significant pain and neurological symptoms. Early diagnosis, conservative management, and advanced treatments like prolotherapy or surgery can help restore comfort and function. Understanding your options empowers you to make informed decisions for your health and recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a cervical herniated disc feel like?
It can cause pain radiating from the neck to the arm and hand, shoulder blade pain, and difficulty turning or bending the neck. Muscle spasms are common.
How long does it take to recover from a cervical herniated disc?
Most people recover within 6-12 weeks without surgery.
How do you fix a cervical herniated disc?
Conservative measures like physical therapy, traction, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation are first-line. Surgery is considered if these fail.
Is walking suitable for cervical herniated disc?
Yes, walking, swimming, and yoga are low-impact exercises that can help relieve symptoms.
What is a cervical herniated disc?
It’s when the gel-like center of a disc in the neck ruptures through its outer layer, causing pain and neurological symptoms in the neck, shoulders, and arms.
Contact ProHealth Clinic Today for Your FREE 15-Minute Discovery Call
Don’t let cervical disc herniation control your life any longer. Join the thousands of patients who have found lasting relief through prolotherapy at ProHealth Clinic.
Get in Touch
- Phone: +44 1234 380345
- Email: info@prohealthclinic.co.uk
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- London: 104 Harley Street, Marylebone, W1G 7JD
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All clinics offer the same award-winning prolotherapy treatment with convenient appointment times, including evenings and weekends.
Author Bio
Having performed over 10,000 procedures, Mr Oliver Eaton is one of the UK’s leading practitioners in the field of treating cervical disc herniation, with patients travelling to see him from across the UK, Europe, and the Middle East.
With over 12 years of clinical experience, Oliver is dedicated to helping patients understand their symptoms associated with cervical disc herniation and providing effective treatment options to alleviate them.
He qualified in Prolozone Therapy and Prolotherapy in America with the American Academy of Ozonotherapy. He continued on to complete further qualifications at the Royal Society of Medicine, Charing Cross Hospital in London, Keele University’s Anatomy & Surgical Training Centre, and the medical department of Heidelberg University in Germany.
Over the years he has had the privilege of treating many elite-level athletes, including both Olympic and Commonwealth medallists.
Mr Eaton’s expertise has been featured in many national news and media publications, including The Telegraph, The Daily Mail, The Daily Express, Women’s Health Magazine, and The Scotsman.
Connect with Oliver Eaton on LinkedIn
References
- Radhakrishnan K, Litchy WJ, O’Fallon WM, Kurland LT. Epidemiology of cervical radiculopathy. Brain. 1994;117(2):325-335. View Study
- Wang JC, McDonough PW, Endow KK, Delamarter RB. The effect of smoking on spinal fusion. Spine. 1999;24(23):2608-2613. View Study
- Fardon DF, Williams AL, Dohring EJ, Murtagh FR, Rothman SL, Sze GK. Lumbar disc nomenclature: version 2.0. Spine J. 2014;14(11):2525-2545. View Study
- Rabago D, Slattengren A, Zgierska A. Prolotherapy in Primary Care Practice. Prim Care. 2010;37(1):65-80. View Study
- Smith JS, Anderson R, et al. Surgical techniques for cervical disc herniation. J Neurosurg Spine. 2011;14(2):184-192. View Study
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making treatment decisions.