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Cervical disc hernia - Cervical radiculopathy secondary to a slipped disc

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Disorder of a nerve root, which affects its sensory or motor function due to the cervical vertebrae being compressed.

It is due to degeneration of the discs between the vertebrae, whose function is to cushion the shock of the vertebrae in motion. As they lose some of their water content, the discs lose their flexibility and become more prone to tearing or rupture.

Another disadvantageous factor is leading a sedentary life and not exercising the muscles that provide the vertebral spine with stability.

The diagnosis is based on the clinical history and a thorough physical examination. Imaging tests are usually required to detect spine alterations, identify the affected nerve and clarify the cause.

Treatment aims to eliminate the pain, usually with paracetamol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Non-responding or chronic cases may require opiates, corticosteroids and other drugs to enhance the analgesic effect. More severe cases may be treated with surgery to decompress the nerve.

Bibliographic references
  1. Andersen, C. (2011). Protocol for Shoulder function training reducing musculoskeletal pain in shoulder and neck: a randomized controlled trial BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 12: 14.
  2. Aso, J. (2010). Hernia discal traumatic. Implicaciones médico-legales. Cuad Med Forense 2010; 16 (1-2) 19-30.     
  3. Chen, J. (2008). Cervical Spine Injuries. Oral Maxillofacial Surg Clin N Am. 20, 381-391.      
  4. Comuñas, F. (2000). Dolor radicular. Rev Soc Esp Dolor. 7: Supl. II, 36-48.         
  5. DeLee- (2009). DeLee and Drez`s Orthopaedic Sports Medicine (3ª ed). España: Elsevier.        
  6. Giner, V. Dolor de espalda. Guía de Actuación Clínica en A. P.
  7. Herkowitz, H. (2000). Columna Vertebral. (4ª ed). México D.F.: McGraw-Hill Interamericana Editores S.A.         
  8. Martínez, J. (2009). Traumatismos raquídeos y lesiones no contiguas. Importancia del cribado con resonancia magnética de columna completa en el esguince cervical.Rev Med Legal. 35(1):3-11       
  9. Misailidou, V. (2010, June). Assessment of patients with neck pain: a review of definitions, selection criteria, and measurement tools. J Chiropr Med., 9(2): 49–59.    
  10. Palero, E. (2009). Cervicobraquialgia. Zaragoza, España: Hegemon.
Author
Dr. Oscar Garcia-Esquirol
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Cervical pain

    Pain when moving the neck

    Weakness in biceps of the arm

    Numbness in arm, forearm and/or hand

    Trapezius muscle pain

Symptoms to watch out for

Pain that doesn't subside with analgesics
Fever (temperature higher than 38 ºC)
Inability to move the extremity

Self-care

Consume over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatories.
Apply heat to the affected area.
Relative rest, rest until symptoms subside.
Try not to lift heavy objects.
Maintain a balanced diet: increase fruit, vegetable, and white meat consumption and reduce the intake of fatty meals and fritters.
Engage in regular physical activity, adapted to age and physical condition, at least 3 times a week.
Lose weight if you are overweight or obese.
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