Cervical Disc Lesion
The phrase disc lesion describes a continuum of problems that range from a repetitive disc sprain to a herniation and ending in degeneration. Disc issues typically come from both physical and chemical factors that affect the nearby nerve roots. (1) Events like repetitive loading, shear stress and vibration weaken the fibers of the disc, beginning the cascade of events. However, the presence of a disc bulge on an image does not correlate with pain. (2)
Cervical disc issues typically cause neck pain and may or may not have pain or symptoms that travel down the arm and in the shoulder blade.
Treatment for a cervical disc has three goals, first is to reduce pain and inflammation, second is to decrease mechanical compression of the disc and third is to improve the functional stability of the region. Different soft tissue techniques and manipulation can be used to help restore normal joint function. Rehabilitation for functional stability works toward coordinating movement of the cervical and thoracic spine and shoulder movements into their proper patterns. Patients should also look at the mechanics of things like their work stations and sleep positions.
If you have an issue that you would like some guidance with, give us a call at (616) 301-1702.
Saal JA. Natural history and nonoperative treatment of lumbar disc herniation. Spine. 1996 Dec;21(24 Suppl):2S-9S.
Healy JF, Healy BB, Wong WH, Olson EM. Cervical and lumbar MRI in asymptomatic older male lifelong athletes: frequency of degenerative findings. Journal of computer assisted tomography. 1996 Jan 1;20(1):107-12