When the herniated disc is in the cervical spine or the neck, the pain usually runs to the shoulder, elbow and even the fingers of the hand and can be a very intense pain with a sensation of electric shock, tingling, burning and prickling, in these cases it is assessed if it is It is possible to mitigate pain with therapies such as acupuncture, electroacupuncture, selective root blocks with cortisone, physical therapy and rehabilitation.
But when the pain is too intense despite these therapies or there is weakness in the arm or hand, an intervention would be required and it can be with a microscope or in the copy to release the nerve. When the cervical spine already has many changes related to aging, the patient may be a candidate for a prosthesis or, in cases that are already more advanced, surgery to decompress and fix the spine, solving the problem of chronic neck pain and pain in the arm.
Treatment options
It usually responds to conservative treatment with medications and physical therapy, acupuncture. In cases where the pain is very intense and does not respond to conservative treatment, options such as:
Fluoroscopic (X-ray guided) cortisone block or shot
Anterior Cervical Spine Decompression.
Posterior endoscopic discectomy or foraminoplasty
ACDF (Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion)
If your have these symptoms, don´t hesitate to make an appointment to see if these are viable options for your problem.