Cervical Herniated Disc (Pinched Nerve) in Manhattan, NY

Nerves that travel down to the shoulder, arm and hand, arise from the cervical spine in the neck. When these nerves are compressed, they can cause neck, shoulder, arm and hand pain and dysfunction. This condition is often caused by herniated discs in the cervical spine and leads to a condition called cervical radiculopathy, or a pinched nerve. These cervical nerves leave the spinal column and control motor function and sensation of the shoulders, arms and hands. When any of these nerves are pinched or compressed from spinal malformations or inflammation in the neck, pain and other sensations are sent to the brain. Even though these spinal nerves get compressed in the neck, pain, tingling or weakness can be felt along the entire nerve pathway, which can extend from the neck all the way through the arm, hand and fingers.

Symptoms of cervical herniated discs include neck, shoulder, arm and hand pain that may be accompanied by tingling or numbness radiating from the neck through the arm. Patients may also endorse weakness in their arms or hands. Sometimes, patients may even feel headaches or radiation of pain into the back of the head. To relieve symptoms of cervical radiculopathy or a “pinched cervical nerve”, it is important to find the source of the nerve compression and try to relieve the painful symptoms with interventional techniques.

Damaged (bulging or herniated) cervical discs can result in cervical radiculopathy with accompanying pain that radiates from the neck and down the arm. Identifying the cause of this pain is the first step in determining the best treatment plan for relief. In addition to cervical herniated discs, cervical stenosis, osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease may all be playing part in your pain. Prior to considering any surgical interventions, it is important to speak with one of our spine specialists at Ospina Medical to see if there are any more conservative options you can try. These can vary between different types of cortisone or steroid injections for helping to reduce inflammation or more cutting edge experimental Regenexx treatments aimed at trying to reduce the disc herniation and heal the disc. Regenexx procedures are offered at Ospina Medical. These procedures include platelet-rich plasma (PRP), platelet lysate, and bone marrow concentrate containing stem cells.

If you suffer from cervical herniated discs, please make an appointment to see one of our Regenexx spine specialists today. Ospina Medical is located in Midtown Manhattan in New York City. Please contact our office to schedule an exam and consultation to learn more about your treatment options.

Can the symptoms of a cervical disc herniation go away on their own?

Yes, they can. Fortunately, according to Harvard Health, for about 90% of patients, the pain, numbness, tingling, and discomfort associated with a cervical disc herniation can go away on their own within about six months. Typically, other treatments are considered only if the pain is long-lasting or reoccurring.

How are cervical disc herniations treated?

At Ospina Medical, we try to avoid surgery and invasive treatments if possible. Nonsurgical treatments can include steroid injections, Regenexx therapy, PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy, bone marrow concentrate therapy, physical therapy, and more.

Is surgery always necessary to treat a cervical disc herniation?

No, not always. Surgery is always a last resort and typically only recommended if nonsurgical treatments have failed after about 8 – 12 weeks.