Stiff Neck Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment. You are here Conditions Spine Anatomy. C5-C6 Treatment share pin it Newsletters.
Peer Reviewed. Iyer S, Kim HJ. Cervical radiculopathy. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. Vertebral Fractures. New England Journal of Medicine. Epstein NE. Major risks and complications of cervical epidural steroid injections: An updated review. The most common symptom of C5-C6 disc herniation is a pain in the lower neck. This can either be a piercing periodic pinch or a constant vibrating ache at the back of the neck. Patients might also notice crepitus in the neck where grinding and cracking sounds are perceived as the neck joints are moved.
Headaches are also commonly related to herniated discs in the cervical spine. The pain experienced in the neck zone can also extend to other parts of the upper body. It usually moves in a radicular pattern from the base of the neck to the arms, where patients will experience sharp aches in the shoulders and hands.
Joints in these regions are also likely to be weakened, specifically the shoulder, elbow, and wrist joints. Numbness and loss of normal sensations in the forearms and fingers can also point to a C5-C6 disc herniation, as the C5-C6 nerve root controls this area of the skin. While these symptoms can be good indicators of a potential disc herniation, it is always advisable to consult a seasoned medical practitioner for a proper diagnosis.
The diagnostic process often involves a CT or MRI scan, through which the location and severity of the herniated disc can be adequately assessed. There are a plethora of non-surgical treatment options for C5-C6 disc herniation.
Each of these options carries pros and cons; hence recovery time will vary widely depending on the course pursued by the patient. They include physical therapy, prescription medication, and injections. Post-diagnosis, the surgeon can prescribe the most appropriate treatment method for the herniated disc condition.
Many times, a simple change in posture supported by neck braces can be sufficient to eliminate minor symptoms associated with C5-C6 disc herniation. Manual therapy is also a viable option, and patients can fully recover over days or weeks.
In advanced cases where symptoms might include neck pain that persists past 2 months, arm or leg weakness or numbness, partial paralysis and bowel and bladder control loss, surgery is the most effective solution. Similar to the non-surgical treatments, there is a large variance in the surgical procedures available for the treatment of C5-C6 herniated discs. Patients are advised to consult with experienced surgeons for valid information on each process as they consider the available options.
The eventual choice of procedure should depend not only on the extent of the disc condition but also on the overall impact on the spinal health and wellbeing of the patient. Surgical treatments available for herniated discs at C include minimally invasive endoscopic laser repair, spinal fusion and artificial discs.
Spinal fusion like ACDF anterior cervical discectomy and fusion or PCDF posterior cervical decompression and fusion require large painful and bloody incisions, metal screws, plates and cages, as well as long recovery times with months of opioid painkiller use and long periods of time off work.
Artificial discs can dislodge and even fuse themselves from the inflammation they cause. This is an FDA approved surgery that has been peer reviewed and published as safe and effective in the treatment of symptomatic cervical disc herniations. Several physical exercises serve the purpose of strengthening the cervical spine and reducing neck pain and stiffness.
Some of these include resistance exercises and neck stretches designed to loosen the neck muscles. Poor posture is one of the main causes of C5-C6 disc herniation.
Taking measures to improve work and sleep head positioning can also help prevent complications in the neck spine. Consider investing in ergonomic chairs and contour pillows that have special design features to support the neck curvature. The spine is made up of three natural and healthy curves.
When one of those curves is lost, adverse spinal tension is introduced, causing numerous problems. Have you ever stopped to consider why the human spine is curved in the first place? The spine has three healthy curves, and these curves work together to make the spine as strong and flexible as possible.
The middle back has an outward curve known as the thoracic curve, and the spine of the lower back has an inward lumbar curve. Thinking of the spine as a continual fluctuating curve, you can see how if one of these curves are compromised, it would have an effect throughout the entire spine. Those suffering from bulging discs can experience the condition differently, but there are some common symptoms to look out for that can help lead to diagnosis and treatment.
As you can imagine, especially in this digital age of staring down at computers and phones for long periods of time, this is an area of the spine commonly facing the effects of poor posture. As the curve of the neck becomes straighter due to forward head posture, there is an immediate change to the nerves surrounding the spine.
The compression of nerve roots in the neck impacts the neck, arms, hands and shoulders with radiating pain. Often, tingling and numbness in these areas are another common symptom of C5-C6 disc bulging. This can lead to muscle weakness and spasms and additional discomfort in the digits of the hands.
If you are experiencing any of the aforementioned symptoms, a visit to the doctor is warranted. The sooner you get a diagnosis, the sooner you can start active treatment and get some relief. If you have already been diagnosed with C5-C6 disc bulging, and wanted to learn about conservative treatment, contact us today.
Most often, a trip to see your doctor and discuss your experienced C5-C6 disc bulging symptoms would result in a physical exam, imaging tests, and neurological testing. From there, you can be referred to a specialist who will work with you to choose your course of treatment.
Someone seeking traditional medical treatment for their C5-C6 disc bulging is often looking to remedy the pain and discomfort disrupting their daily life.
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