Neck Disc Injuries

By Dr. Richard L. Cole, DC, DACNB, DAAPM, FICC

Your neck disc is a fibrous pad that acts as a cushion between your vertebrae, or the bones of your neck.  For example, if you were to cut through a golf ball making a 1/4" slice, you would find a liquid center surrounded by rubber bands.   It is very similar in the discs in your neck.  There is a pasty liquid center, which is surrounded by many rings of ligaments.  Between your discs and your spinal cord is a strong ligament.  This ligament is a strong barrier between your disc and your spinal cord and helps protect it.  Many times because of a sudden trauma to the neck, such as a car accident or an athletic injury, there can be a tearing of the ligaments and discs of the neck.  Long term wear and tear due to posture problems or repetitive injuries are also causes of slow tearing of these ligaments.  Many patients exhibit a combination of past injuries and long term posture problems that lead to the development of their condition. 

Once the disc ligaments tear, the liquid center of the discs can shift or ooze back toward your spinal cord and the nerves that exit your spine.  As it does, there is often inflammation and irritation to the discs, the ligaments, and the nerves. Obviously, this is very painful and can feel like a deep dull ache in the arms, shoulder, neck, and upper back.  If the liquid center shifts far enough backwards, it can actually put pressure on the spinal cord or spinal nerves.  This can cause tingling in the arm and hand, numbness of the fingers, and even weakness of the muscles in the arm.

Treatment for this condition is often customized to each patient, depending on their presentation. It may include spinal manipulative therapy and traction to the neck. Physical therapy modalities such as interferential current, ultrasound, ice or heat may be used. 

There are basically three goals in your treatment plan:

1. To decrease the pain
2. To correct the spine function and strengthen your neck muscles. 
3. To correct any postural habits that may have caused the problem in the first place. 

Home care is important in resolving a neck disc injury.  First be sure that you follow your doctor’s directions regarding the use of heat and ice.  He/she also may have given you a set of exercises to perform.  These are vital to the improvement of your condition. By performing the wrong home activities you may worsen your condition.

The activities to avoid are as follows:

1. Don’t sleep on your stomach. 
2. Don’t use a large over-sized pillow, instead use a cervical contour pillow. 
3. Don’t watch TV or read a book while lying in bed. 
4. Don’t lift heavy objects over your head or work looking up. 

Our doctors have a proven track record in improving many neck disc problems. You can rest assured that if your doctor feels it necessary to refer you to a medical physician for evaluation or treatment, he will do so.  We have a relationship with the best neurosurgeons and pain specialists in the area and work with them often. Once your condition is corrected, remember that regular exercise is the best way to keep your neck working properly and to prevent future problems. 

Our doctors are committed to your complete recovery.  If you have any special questions, please send it to the doctor of your choice by email or give them a call.