Symptoms of cervical disc herniation

Many people may not know much about the problem of cervical disc herniation, but this disease has seriously affected the patient's physical health and daily life. Therefore, in life we ​​need to pay more attention to some of the symptoms he may show. Only in this way can we better help us treat and solve this disease. Now let’s take a look at the symptoms of cervical disc herniation.

If we want to better treat a disease, we first need to understand some of its symptoms. Only after understanding these symptoms can we find out whether we have this problem in time, so as to receive timely treatment and reduce adverse damage.

1. Central type

The main manifestation is cervical spinal cord compression. This type of herniation was previously believed to be rare, but with the development of diagnostic technology, especially the advent of MRI technology, central cervical disc herniation is no longer rare. When the central part of the cervical intervertebral disc protrudes, the spinal cord is compressed, causing incomplete or complete paralysis of the limbs and abnormal urination and defecation; at the same time, the tendon reflexes of the limbs become hyperactive. Pathological reflex signs may appear positive, and may show decreased or absent sensation depending on the protrusion plane.

2. Lateral type

Mainly radicular pain. The main symptoms are neck pain and limited movement, like a stiff neck, and the pain may radiate to the shoulder or occipital region; there is pain and numbness in one upper limb, but rarely on both sides at the same time; there is no obvious change in muscle strength. In between attacks, patients may have no symptoms. During physical examination, it was found that the head and neck were often in a stiff position with limited movement. There may be tenderness over the spinous process of the lower cervical vertebra and the scapula. If the head is tilted backward and toward the affected side, applying pressure to the top of the head can cause neck and shoulder pain, which radiates to the hands (i.e., a positive foraminal compression test). Stretching the affected upper limb can cause pain (i.e., a positive radicular stretch test). Sensory disturbances vary depending on the level of disc herniation (Table 1).

The above is an introduction to the symptoms of cervical disc herniation. I hope that through these introductions everyone will have a more comprehensive understanding of this disease in daily life. As long as we understand its symptoms, we can better help us solve the harm caused by this disease and protect our health.