Cervical Center
Cervical Disc Herniation
A cervical disc herniation occurs when a fragment of the cervical disc breaks off and compresses a spinal nerve or the spinal cord, producing pain that may radiate down the arm.
Overview
A cervical disc herniation occurs when a fragment of the cervical disc breaks off and compresses a spinal nerve or the spinal cord. This compression can cause pain that radiates down the arm, depending on which nerve is affected.
When a herniated disc compresses a nerve, it can lead to cervical radiculopathy, causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms. Radiculopathy can also result from cervical degeneration and foraminal stenosis, where narrowing pinches the nerve. If the disc herniation is large and centrally located, it can compress the spinal cord, leading to cervical myelopathy.
The C5-6 and C6-7 levels are the most commonly affected. Most patients do not recall a specific injury. Symptoms can develop gradually without a clear cause. Pain is usually on one side, but a large central herniation may cause widespread symptoms. Acute pain may subside over time, sometimes transitioning into a dull, chronic ache.
Additional clinical overview content is pending medical review by Dr. Abrahams and the clinical team.
Symptoms
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Causes
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When to see a specialist
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Non surgical treatment options
The Cervical Center works with the team at Spine Options to provide non operative care for patients. Most patients who present with some form of neck pain, upper extremity weakness or numbness, or lower extremity weakness or numbness within the diagnosis of cervical spine disorders will not need surgery. Most symptoms improve over time with conservative treatment.
Physical therapy
We develop personalized physical therapy prescriptions based on your specific needs and refer you to experienced local providers. These programs improve strength, flexibility, and posture, helping to reduce pain, enhance mobility, and promote long term spinal health.
Epidural injections
For patients who may benefit from epidural steroid injections, we provide expert evaluations and referrals to trusted local physicians who specialize in pain management. These injections can reduce inflammation and nerve related pain caused by conditions such as disc herniation or foraminal stenosis, offering relief with minimal downtime.
Medication
Most neck pain improves with non steroidal anti inflammatory agents such as Motrin, Aleve, Advil, and Tylenol. Any patient with numbness or weakness is a more urgent matter and should undergo an MRI of their cervical spine regardless of pain level.
View all non surgical options →
Most cases of cervical radiculopathy improve with conservative treatment including rest, non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, and pain management. With early symptom recognition and appropriate care, many patients manage their condition without surgery.
Surgical options
Patients are initially evaluated by a physiatrist to ensure all non surgical options, including physical therapy and non narcotic pain management, are exhausted before considering a surgical solution.
Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion
Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, or ACDF, is a surgical procedure used to treat patients with a compressed nerve or spinal cord who do not improve with conservative care. If a patient has a compressed spinal cord and exhibits any symptoms, they will most likely need to undergo surgery regardless of their response to conservative care, since conservative care is unlikely to improve the symptoms.
The incision is made in the front of the neck, usually in a horizontal skin fold. The surgeon removes the disc to allow access to the spinal cord and spinal nerves. Once the disc is removed, the surgeon frees the compressed nerve or spinal cord to provide relief. Since there is no disc remaining, the surgeon replaces it with a spacer and secures the spacer with a plating system.
Anterior cervical disc replacement
Anterior cervical disc replacement, or ACDR, is a surgical procedure used to treat patients with a compressed nerve or spinal cord who do not improve with conservative care. The surgeon removes the disc and replaces it with a synthetic disc device that allows motion. This can be done at one or two levels, but not three levels.
Recovery
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Sources and further reading
Patient questions
Frequently asked questions
Our clinical team explains Cervical Disc Herniation using your history, examination, and imaging. Symptoms vary by nerve or spinal cord involvement. An accurate diagnosis guides whether conservative care or surgery is the safest next step.
Symptoms may include neck or back pain, arm or leg pain, numbness, weakness, or balance changes when the spinal cord is involved. Severity and duration help determine urgency and treatment options.
Evaluation usually includes a neurological examination and MRI. X ray or CT may assess bone alignment. We correlate imaging with your symptoms before recommending injections, therapy, or surgery.
Physical therapy, medication, activity modification, and selective injections are common first steps. We monitor progress over four to eight weeks and escalate only when symptoms persist or neurologic deficits progress.
Seek urgent care for rapidly worsening weakness, loss of bowel or bladder control, saddle anesthesia, or severe pain after trauma. Call (914) 948 3008 for guidance if you are unsure how quickly to be seen.
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Office
Institute For Spine Surgery244 Westchester Avenue, Suite 209
West Harrison, NY 10604
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