25 October 2023
Disc herniations of the cervical spine are observed much less frequently than herniations of the lumbar spine, but the anatomy of the cervical spine has its own characteristics: the nerve roots emerge above the roots of the vertebral arches, passing through the intervertebral openings in close contact with the lower surface of the arches, and the intervertebral disc space is very located close to the lower surface of the roots of the brackets. The pain syndrome that occurs when the roots of the cervical nerves are compressed can mimic an acute myocardial infarction and requires differential diagnosis.
A typical clinical picture is pain in the hand, according to the projection of the innervation of the root compressed by the hernia. Herniated discs of the cervical spine cause painful limitation of neck mobility; when the neck is extended, the pain intensifies; with persistent pain syndrome in the hand, some patients have movement restrictions: the inability to raise the hand above the horizontal line. Also, patients may complain of impaired sensitivity in the fingers of the hand, weakness of the hand, and impaired fine motor skills. In some cases, a hernia of the cervical spine causes atrophy of the muscles of the forearm and hand.
Diagnosis of cervical spine herniation is based on MRI, CT/myelography, or plain CT.
With acute cervical radiculopathy, improvement without surgery is observed in more than 90% of cases. Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs are used, after the acute pain syndrome is relieved, a course of neck stretching procedures and physical therapy is possible.
Neurosurgical treatment is indicated if there is no improvement within 2 weeks of ineffective conservative treatment and if there is a disc herniation of 3 mm or more. Considering the peculiarities of the anatomical location of the disc herniation in the vertebral canal, surgical intervention is performed on the front-lateral surface of the neck. A mandatory condition for surgical intervention is the use of a mini-stabilizing system — various cages implanted in the affected disc to maintain its stability. The average length of stay in the hospital is 2-3 days.
In the "Oberig" clinic, all types of operations for herniated discs of the spine are performed.
Call: 044 521 30 03 or sign up for a consultation on the website: https://my.oberig.ua/ua/appointment/
