The human spine is a strong and flexible mechanism consisting of joints. It accounts for the bulk of the load. Mobility of the spine is provided by intervertebral discs and ligaments, which are located directly between the vertebrae. If, as a result of unfavorable factors, the intervertebral disc is displaced or destroyed, the internal substance comes out and a hernia is formed. Intervertebral disc herniation in the cervical spine ranks second in frequency of formation (first place in the lumbar spine).

The greatest danger comes from diffuse hernial protrusion, which does not lead to rupture of the fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc. The pathology must be treated immediately, without waiting for complete tissue destruction, until the disease can be eliminated using conservative methods.

Features of the pathology

A diffuse hernia is characterized by the fact that a hernial protrusion occurs without the formation of a hernial sac. This is due to the absence of rupture of the fibrous ring, that is, the disc is not completely damaged, and the nucleus pulposus has not extended beyond its limits.

Hernias most often form in the C5-C6 and C6-C7 spinal segments; the C4-C5 segments are less commonly affected by the disease (the letter C and the number next to it indicate the serial number of the cervical vertebra). Intervertebral discs of the C7-T1 segment are rarely affected; in this place, the cervical spine is connected by nerve processes to the thoracic spine.

If the diagnosis of “diffuse hernia” indicates the C5-C6 segment, this means that a hernia-like bulge occurred in the intervertebral disc located between the 5th and 6th vertebrae of the cervical spine. Hernial diffuse protrusion can have different directions, the danger is the dorsal location of the hernia (posterior), it is directed inside the spinal canal.

Compressing the membranes, internal contents and nerve endings of the spinal cord, a dorsal hernial bulge leads to severe pain and complete disability of the patient. Therefore, it is important to identify and begin treatment of the pathology in time, before the disease leads to irreversible consequences.

Localization and symptoms

With a hernial bulge localized in the C4-C5 segment, symptoms arise suddenly and increase rapidly. This:

• intense pain in the damaged part of the spine, radiating to the forearm and shoulder;
• pain in the cervical spine, which makes it difficult to turn the head;
• neck movements become more difficult;
• loss of sensitivity in fingers;
• headaches occur.

People of the middle age group (30–50 years old) are susceptible to this pathology; this is associated with active physical activity.

If a diffuse hernia develops in the C5-C6 spinal segment, the symptoms are as follows:

• unilateral numbness of the neck extending to the arm and hand;
• numbness and pain are felt in the index and thumb;
• muscle reflexes worsen, which makes it difficult to move your hand;
• motor function of the neck is impaired;
• headaches occur.

All these problems appear due to compression of the nerve endings located on the left or right side of the damaged disc in the C5-C6 segment.

With a hernia-like bulge in the C6-C7 segment, symptoms arise gradually, they begin with discomfort in the cervical spine, frequent headaches, and as the pathology progresses, the following signs are added:

• pain spreads to the arm, mainly to the back side;
• palms go numb, numbness appears in the ring finger;
• Muscle reflexes are disrupted, causing the motor function of the hand to deteriorate.

If such symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a doctor and begin treatment. Diffuse hernias respond well to conservative treatment. This includes taking medications, physical therapy, massage, physiotherapy and manual therapy.

Conservative treatment methods

Treatment begins with diagnosing the disease; for this, a CT scan, MRI or x-ray examination is performed, which will show the location and size of the hernial bulge. The scheme of measures to eliminate pathology is initially aimed at reducing pain symptoms.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs or NSAIDs) are prescribed; they relieve pain, eliminate inflammation and swelling of the tissues adjacent to the affected area.

Drugs from the muscle relaxants group improve the function of muscle tissue, eliminate tension, so to speak, relax the muscles. To maintain the immune system and improve the body's resistance, vitamin therapy is prescribed.

After pain relief, the doctor recommends continuing treatment through physiotherapeutic procedures. Massage and physical therapy are prescribed, which the patient does constantly. Not the last place in the rehabilitation scheme is occupied by manual therapy.

The effectiveness of manual therapy

After drug treatment has been completed, the symptoms of the acute inflammatory process have been eliminated, pain has been relieved, the patient is prescribed manual therapy.

Manual therapy is a set of technologies to improve the mobility of the affected area, eliminate pain symptoms and prevent re-exacerbation.

Manual therapy, if performed by a specialist, completely relieves the disease by eliminating its main cause - impaired functionality of the spinal column. Through manipulation, the doctor normalizes the functions of the cervical spine, which has a beneficial effect on the condition of the spine.

Manual therapy can either lead to an improvement in the patient’s health, up to a complete cure, or aggravate the patient’s condition - it all depends on the doctor. Therefore, you need to choose it seriously.

Manual therapy is not performed for the following contraindications: arterial hypertension, brain tumors - spinal and brain, circulatory disorders, acute inflammatory processes. In other cases, manual treatment is permitted.

It is important that during the procedures a person limits physical activity and provides rest to the spine - such passive assistance will speed up recovery.

If traditional therapy does not produce positive results over the course of several months, the patient is recommended to have the hernia removed surgically. Therefore, do not delay treatment.

The C6-C7 vertebral segment, located at the base of the cervical spine, provides structural support for the neck, mobility, and also contributes to the protection of the spinal cord.

At the level of the C6-C7 spinal segment, the C7 nerve root emerges and branches from the spinal cord, descending into the arm and providing:

• straightening the elbow, raising the wrist, extending the fingers and spreading them;
• movement of the triceps muscles from the back of the shoulder;
• sensitivity extending from the neck down to the back of the forearm and further into the palm and middle finger of the hand.

Common causes of pain at the C6-C7 level

If the C6-C7 spinal segment becomes a source of pain that persists or recurs, the following conditions are likely to be the culprits:

• intervertebral disc C6-C7. The discs absorb friction between the bones of the spine (vertebrae) of the neck. Once the disc located between the C6-C7 vertebrae begins to lose its shock-absorbing properties and height due to the natural aging process, the stress on the facet joints increases, leading to degenerative problems. This can lead to pain, the source of which is the intervertebral disc itself, joints and/or irritation of the adjacent nerve;
• C6-C7. This condition occurs when a crack develops in the outer lining of the disc (the annulus fibrosus) large enough for its gel-like contents to protrude, irritating or compressing a nearby nerve. When a nerve is pinched, neurological symptoms may occur, such as pain and weakness that travel down the length of the nerve and radiate to the shoulder, arm, or hand (cervical radiculopathy);
• and segment C6-C7. A pair of facet joints connect the C6 and C7 vertebrae, allowing smooth movement provided the cartilage is healthy enough. If the protective cartilage wears away, arthritis of the facet joint may develop and pain symptoms may appear. Bone growths (osteophytes) can grow on an arthritic facet joint and reduce the space through which nerves leave the spine, which can impair their function;
• stenosis at the C6-C7 level with myelopathy. Central spinal canal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal begins to narrow in diameter, usually due to degeneration of both discs and facet joints. Over time, this narrowing can become dangerous to the spinal cord located inside the spinal canal. Myelopathy refers to a range of neurological symptoms resulting from compression of the spinal cord, often due to the development of spinal stenosis. These symptoms may include problems with coordination in the arms, hands, legs, feet, partial numbness and/or pain in the arms and/or legs, and, if the spinal cord is compressed to a certain extent, loss of control over urination and/or bowel movements. For myelopathy, most spine specialists recommend surgical treatment (taking into account the patient's health status);
• foraminal stenosis at the level of C6-C7. The foramina or lateral foramina are two narrow bony canals (one on each side) through which the nerve roots that have separated from the spinal cord exit the spinal canal. At the C6-C7 level, the C7 nerve root may be compressed in the foramen, which can lead to pain radiating into the arm, which is identical to the pain of a herniated disc. Foraminal stenosis occurs when bone growths (osteophytes) appear on adjacent facet joints and/or vertebral bodies, which leads to narrowing of the foraminal openings.

Less common causes of pain at the C6-C7 level

Other conditions that cause pain at the C6-C7 level include:

• . As a result of wear and tear on the spine or injury at the C6-C7 level, spondylolisthesis can develop, in which the C6 vertebra moves anteriorly or posteriorly relative to the C7 vertebra;
• tumor. A tumor growing at the C6-C7 level of the spinal segment can compress the C7 nerve, causing pain and other symptoms characteristic of radiculopathy. Tumor at the C6-C7 level is a rare occurrence that can occur in cancer and some other conditions;
• infection. Various parts of the C6-C7 spinal segment may be infected, such as the C6 and C7 vertebrae and/or the intervertebral disc. Sometimes the infection spreads to several vertebral structures at once. The most dangerous situation is when the spinal cord itself becomes infected; This situation often occurs with spinal tuberculosis. In this case, an MRI of the cervical spine shows a typical picture of the development of leaks, characteristic of tuberculosis.
• fracture A fractured vertebra at the C6-C7 level can cause pain and other symptoms, especially if a nearby nerve root is pinched or damaged.

As stated above, the cervical nerve root can be compressed or irritated by a bone spur, a herniated disc, or both. In this case, we can talk about cervical radiculopathy - a condition caused by a pinched nerve root. Typically, radiculopathy affects only one arm.

At the C6-C7 level, cervical radiculopathy affects the C7 nerve root and symptoms may include pain, tingling, numbness and/or weakness that extends from the neck to the shoulder and arm, forearm, palm and middle finger.

Treatment

If the pain that occurs at the level of the C6-C7 spinal segment does not go away on its own within a few days, then you need to consult a doctor to identify the root cause of the symptoms.

If you experience progressive numbness, weakness, tingling, loss of balance, or loss of control over urination and/or bowel movements, you should consult your doctor immediately as these symptoms may require urgent medical attention.

At the initial consultation, the doctor will take a medical history and conduct a complete physical examination of the patient. Based on the collected data, a preliminary diagnosis can be made, which must then be confirmed or refuted by additional research. As a rule, for pain in the cervical spine, the following research tests are prescribed: x-ray (if spinal stenosis or fracture is suspected), computed tomography (CT) to identify soft tissue pathologies - the most advanced method that allows the doctor to get a comprehensive picture of the condition of the spine patient, nerve conduction studies to determine the level of nerve entrapment, and laboratory tests if inflammation or tumor is suspected.

Non-surgical treatment of problems at the C6-C7 level

As a rule, for problems with the cervical spine, non-surgical treatment methods are primarily used.

The main methods of conservative treatment include:

• . We recommend non-load-bearing spinal traction as a very effective method of treating disc herniations and other complications of osteochondrosis. The method has virtually no side effects, unlike traction with weights or vector load.
• Therapeutic exercises can effectively stop the further development of disc pathology
• massage
• Hirudotherapy allows you to quickly relieve inflammation of the spinal cord root and restore mobility of the spinal segment

Surgery for pain and/or neurological symptoms at the C6-C7 level

If pain and accompanying symptoms cannot be reduced or eliminated using conservative methods, the doctor may recommend surgical treatment. Types of surgery commonly used to treat problems in the cervical spine at the C6-C7 level include:

• anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, which can be effective for problems at the C6-C7 level;
• cervical decompression, such as cervical laminectomy, laminotomy or foraminomy, which is usually used to treat symptoms of cervical spinal stenosis;
• artificial disc implantation, used to treat pain and other symptoms caused by a herniated disc.

Surgical treatment for spinal problems is almost always a personal decision for the patient. Most patients are successfully treated using conservative methods. We do not recommend surgical treatment of the cervical spine, as it is ineffective and often produces complications that permanently disable the patient. In order to avoid cervical spine surgery, it is necessary to begin treatment as early as possible and after treatment continue daily special exercises for the spine in order to permanently stop the progression of the disease.

A herniated disc is a condition in which the central part of the intervertebral disc is squeezed into the spinal canal. As a rule, a hernia is a consequence of wear and tear of the hard outer shell of the intervertebral disc, as a result of which a crack forms in it, through which part of the soft internal contents leaves the disc space. The C5-C6 segment is one of the most common sites of occurrence in the cervical spine. The main reason for the appearance of intervertebral hernia is aging, although, in some cases, intervertebral hernia can be the result of injury, an immobile lifestyle, heavy physical activity, static postures, and so on.

Most often, an intervertebral hernia occurs in the lower part of the spine, in the lumbar region, but a hernia in the neck can hardly be called a rare occurrence. If an intervertebral hernia compresses a spinal root, this leads to symptoms such as pain, numbness, weakness in the muscles innervated by the affected nerve, etc. The vast majority of patients diagnosed with an intervertebral hernia respond well to conservative treatment methods. If, after systematic and long-term conservative treatment of the hernia, the symptoms do not subside, surgery may be recommended for such a patient.

Anatomy of intervertebral discs

To understand what an intervertebral hernia is, it is important to understand how the spine works. The spine is made up of 24 moving bones, which we call vertebrae. The cervical spine supports the weight of the head (approximately 4.5 kg) and allows us to tilt, throw back the head and provides the ability to rotate the head up to 180 degrees. There are 7 cervical vertebrae, numbered C1 to C7. The vertebrae are separated by intervertebral discs, which act as shock absorbers, preventing the vertebrae from rubbing against each other. The outer hard layer of the disc is called the annulus fibrosus. The internal contents of the disc are gel-like and are called the nucleus pulposus. Inside the spine, along almost its entire length, there is a vertical cavity formed by the arches of the vertebrae - the spinal canal. This cavity contains the spinal cord and the spinal nerve roots extending from it. At each level of the spine, a pair of spinal nerves leave the spinal canal. The spinal cord and spinal nerves transmit impulses from the brain to the body and back and are responsible for the sensitivity and mobility of various parts of our body.

What is an intervertebral hernia?

A herniated disc occurs when some of the gel-like material of the disc is squeezed through a crack in the hard outer shell of the disc into the spinal canal, where the spinal cord and the spinal nerve roots extending from it are located. If a hernia compresses one of the nerve roots, a person experiences specific symptoms: pain, numbness, tingling sensation, muscle weakness, etc. Sometimes an intervertebral hernia is so large that part of it can be completely torn off and remain in the spinal canal. Such a hernia is called sequestered, and the free disc fragment is called a sequester.

Symptoms of a C5-C6 disc herniation

Symptoms of an intervertebral hernia in the cervical spine vary, depending on the location and size of the hernia, as well as the characteristics of the individual patient. A hernia in the C5-C6 segment is characterized by the following symptoms: weakness in the biceps (the muscles on the front of the shoulder) and the extensor muscles of the wrist; pain, numbness and a tingling sensation can radiate to the hand, from the side of the thumb. In general, symptoms of a herniated disc in the cervical spine may include:

• feeling of stiffness in the neck;
• limited mobility in the neck;
• headaches, usually starting from the back of the head;
• high blood pressure, blood pressure surges;
• numbness in the shoulder;
• shoulder muscle weakness;
• pain under the shoulder blade or between the shoulder blades;
• numbness, tingling feeling in the hand;
• arm muscle weakness;
• pain in the hand, fingers;
• tingling, numbness in the hand and fingers;
• weakness of the muscles of the hand and fingers.

In addition, there are symptoms that may indicate compression of the spinal cord itself by an intervertebral hernia. This happens very rarely, but if they appear, you need to urgently seek medical help. These symptoms include:

• severe weakness in one or both arms;
• severe weakness in the hand, difficulty grasping objects, tremor;
• severe weakness in one or both legs;
• difficulty making small movements, such as buttoning a shirt;
• difficulty walking, gait disturbance;
• impaired control over the processes of urination and/or defecation.

Causes

An intervertebral hernia can be a consequence of trauma, or it can occur spontaneously. Aging also plays an important role in the formation of intervertebral herniation. As we age, our intervertebral discs dry out and become fragile. The hard outer shell of the disc may lose its integrity and no longer be able to hold the gel-like inner material of the disc. Genetics, smoking, and a number of factors related to the nature of work and hobbies can lead to early disc degeneration.

Intervertebral hernias most often occur in people between 30 and 50 years old. Among middle-aged and elderly people, those who do a lot of physical labor or have jobs with static loads are at greatest risk.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of intervertebral hernia begins with a consultation with a neurologist. During the consultation, the doctor collects a complete medical history of the patient and also conducts a physical examination in order to determine the cause of pain and other symptoms. During the physical examination, the doctor will also conduct a neurological examination, which will include checking reflexes, muscle strength, and skin sensitivity. If a doctor suspects a patient has a herniated disc, he may refer the patient for additional testing. Such studies include:

• radiography. X-rays do not reveal intervertebral hernia, so they are not used to diagnose a hernia. However, x-rays may indicate other causes of pain and other symptoms, which include infection, tumors, bone spurs, vertebral misalignment, or vertebral fracture;
• computed tomography (CT). Computed tomography allows you to obtain two-dimensional images of not only bone, but also soft tissues of the spine. However, the quality of the obtained images compared to MRI images leaves much to be desired, so CT is usually used in cases where MRI is impossible for some reason;
• . MRI images use radio waves and a strong magnetic field to create images. MRI provides high-quality three-dimensional images of the bone and soft tissues of the spine. Using this method, you can determine the size and location of the intervertebral hernia, as well as the fact that the hernia pinches the spinal nerve root;
• myelography. Myelography means radiography with the introduction of a dye into the spinal canal. Such a study can reveal the presence of intervertebral hernia and other problems in the spinal canal, but the quality of the resulting images will be low. Myelography is rarely used to diagnose intervertebral hernia;
• electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies. These tests measure the strength of the electrical impulse transmitted by a particular nerve and help determine which nerve has been damaged and where.

Treatment

In most cases of intervertebral hernia in the cervical spine, conservative treatment methods are sufficient for patients to relieve pain and other symptoms. Conservative methods of treating hernia can be different. Here are some of them:

• taking painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs (not effective for large disc herniations or a narrow spinal canal),
• – helps reduce pain and restore nutrition to the intervertebral disc;
• therapeutic exercises - aimed at strengthening the small muscles of the back, improving the tone of the back muscles, creating a muscle corset;
• Medical massage - helps relax muscles and relieve muscle spasms.

To improve the effect, hirudotherapy, reflexology, and various methods of working with the sacroiliac joint can be used.

Surgical treatment of intervertebral hernias of the cervical spine should be used extremely rarely, only in emergency cases. The percentage of complications after surgery on the cervical spine is much higher than on the lumbar spine. As a last resort, a discectomy can be performed to remove the intervertebral hernia itself. We do not recommend disc replacement due to the instability of the artificial disc in the mobile cervical spine.

The earlier a cervical disc herniation is diagnosed, the lower the percentage of patient disability.

A herniated disc is a dangerous disease of the spine, characterized by displacement of the nucleus pulposus in combination with rupture of the fibrous ring. This disease is considered an advanced state of osteochondrosis. Without timely effective treatment, this pathology can lead to loss of ability to work for quite a long time, and in some cases even to complete disability. Therefore, if you experience pain in the spine, you must consult a doctor without delay.


Practice shows that a herniated disc can appear in any part, but the most common are disorders of the lumbosacral region of the spine. Much less commonly, this disease affects the neck and chest. For precise specification of cervical hernias, they are usually classified as follows:

• disc herniation C3-C4 – displacement of the nucleus pulposus in the area between 3-4 vertebrae;
• C4-C5 disc herniation – a disease of the cervical spine in the area of ​​the fourth and fifth vertebrae;
• disc herniation C5-C6 in the area between 5-6 cervical vertebrae;
• C6-C7 disc herniation is a disruption in the functioning of the spine in the area between 6-7 vertebrae.

The above pathologies differ in symptoms and diagnostic and treatment methods used.

Herniated disc C3-C4

It is characterized by damage to the fibrous ring, as well as displacement of the nucleus pulposus in the cervical spine between the third and fourth vertebrae.

This disease can be recognized by the following symptoms:

1. pain in the neck, collarbone and upper shoulders;
2. pain may occur when raising the shoulder blade;
3. neck mobility is severely limited;
4. neck muscles vary in volume.

Pathology C3-C4 can arise as a result of age-related changes, since more mature age provokes a decrease in the shock-absorbing qualities of the intervertebral disc, and destruction of its structure is observed even under the most insignificant loads.

This disease can develop after a person receives injuries of various etiologies. It can be triggered by an unsuccessful fall, diving, or sudden movements during gymnastic exercises.

Pathologies of the C3-C4 spine often develop due to the adverse effects of the environment, bad habits and the sedentary lifestyle of the patient himself.

This pathology is characterized by a rupture of the intervertebral disc in the area between the fourth and fifth vertebrae. The disease most often develops due to uneven distribution of load on the cervical spine. This disease is mainly common among people aged 30 to 50 years.

Symptoms of a C4-C5 hernia usually appear unexpectedly and are characterized by:

1. severe pain in this part of the spine;
2. pain in the shoulder area;
3. headache and numbness of fingers;
4. neck mobility worsens;
5. the pain intensifies when turning the head.

The causes of the disease are the same as for a C3-C4 hernia, that is, the risk of pathology increases with age, or is provoked by excessive physical exertion and incorrectly performed sudden movements.

Connection of cervical discs with the proper functioning of internal organs. The picture is clickable to enlarge

Pathology of the C5-C6 disc

The disease is characterized by disruption of the spine in the area between the fifth and sixth cervical vertebrae. When a hernia occurs in this area, infringement of the sixth right or left nerve root, or stenosis of the spinal canal, is observed. The symptoms of this disease are as follows:

1. numbness and pain in the sides of the arms, hands and neck;
2. headache;
3. pain and deterioration of sensitivity in the index and thumb;
4. the reflex of the biceps muscle is extremely reduced;
5. weakened movements at the time of abduction and rotation of the arm and during extension of the hand;
6. neck mobility is impaired.

This disease, like other types of intervertebral disc herniation, develops against the background of age-related changes, as well as as a result of excessive or uncompensated load on this part of the spine.

Hernial formation in the C6-C7 area

It is characterized by rupture and protrusion of the fibrous ring between the 6th and 7th cervical vertebrae. This spinal disease begins with periodic pain and discomfort in the neck, accompanied by frequent headaches, and is characterized by the following additional symptoms:

1. pain from the back of the upper limbs;
2. loss of sensation and pain in the ring finger;
3. numbness of the surface of the hand on the back side;
4. weakening of the triceps muscle reflex.

With this disease, weakness is also observed when moving the flexion-extension of the hand and extension of the shoulder.

Effective methods of diagnosis and treatment

Making an accurate diagnosis is the key to success in treating this difficult disease. Fortunately, there are many effective methods for diagnosing and treating vertebral hernia. The patient is only required to immediately seek medical help.

If a spinal hernia is suspected, to establish an accurate diagnosis, the doctor, in most cases, prescribes the following procedures: magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine, myelogram, computed tomography, as well as the necessary x-ray examinations.

After determining the degree of neglect of the disease, the specialist can resort to prescribing medication, physiotherapy, and surgical treatment methods.

Prevention of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine

It is easier to prevent any disease than to get rid of it. This is especially true for diseases of the spine, in particular for cervical hernia. It has long been proven that diseases of the musculoskeletal system arise primarily as a result of physical inactivity and improper unbalanced nutrition.

To avoid the development of osteochondrosis, which results in intervertebral hernia, it is necessary to lead an active lifestyle, do exercises, and follow a diet that includes a sufficient amount of minerals and trace elements for the normal functioning of the musculoskeletal system.

If your work involves spending a lot of time at the computer, it is best to devote your free time to walking in the fresh air and doing exercises.

To prevent spinal diseases, it is recommended to eat more vegetables, fruits, dairy products and strictly avoid eating fast food. If you experience pain and heaviness in the spine, it is best to immediately consult a specialist. Making an accurate diagnosis at an early stage of pathology is the key to successful recovery. Timely prescribed treatment will help the doctor use only conservative methods and avoid surgical intervention.

Intervertebral (intervertebral) hernia C5-C6- This is a rupture of the fibrous ring in the disc at the level between the fifth and sixth cervical vertebrae. The disease is preceded by chronic pain, osteochondrosis, limited mobility in the neck, disc protrusion (initial stage, often circular).

Vertebrologists at Dr. Ignatiev’s Clinic provide treatment and diagnosis of C5-C6 intervertebral hernia in Kyiv. Reception is by appointment only!

This is one of the most common localizations of a hernia in the cervical region, often combined with protrusions, instability, segmental insufficiency, and uncoarthrosis in the C6-C7, C4-C5 segments.

Uncovertebral arthrosis in the C6-C7 PDS indicates the presence of complicated osteochondrosis with osteophytosis and the formation of pathological joints.

In clinical practice, only the posterior (dorsal) type of hernia is important, which can cause narrowing of the spinal and intervertebral canals. The most common is median, paramedian (right-sided).

Vertebrogenic radiculopathy C5-C6 occurs against the background of nerve root entrapment.

Symptoms of C5-C6 disc herniation (nerve damage)

Before the disease occurs, it is preceded by osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in the C4-C5, C5-C6 area. Against the background of the fragility of the intervertebral disc, microtrauma and the formation of protrusion occur. After a while, a protrusion forms.

When a hernia occurs in this area, the sixth nerve root (right, left) or stenosis of the spinal canal occurs (depending on the type of hernia).

With a hernia of C5-C6, the following occurs:

• Pain and numbness in the side of the arm, hand, neck, headaches;
• Pain and numbness in the thumb and index finger;
• The reflex of the biceps muscle decreases;
• There may be weakness in abduction and rotation of the arm inward, and the extension of the hand is slightly weakened;
• Mobility in the neck decreases.

Treatment of intervertebral hernia in PDS C5-C6

Treatment should begin only after a complete diagnosis and examination. It is necessary to conduct an analysis of symptoms and additional examinations. An MRI of the cervical spine is usually performed; if serious problems are identified there, the thoracic and lumbar spine should be diagnosed.

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Hello, please tell me at least an approximate price range for surgery for laser removal of a C5-C6 disc herniation (MRI attached). I am bothered by nagging pain in my right arm, from the shoulder blade to the fingers, and sometimes by numbness of the skin.
I understand that each specific case will have its own cost, but at least I would like to understand the general order of prices.



Hello, I have a 4mm C5-C6 disc herniation, C3-C4, C6-C7 disc protrusion. Secondary stenosis of the spinal canal at the level of discs C4-C5, C5-C6. Is it possible to be treated conservatively, they say to operate urgently, what should I do?

A face-to-face consultation is required. It all depends on the symptoms of the hernia. This can only be determined after testing during a consultation.

1. Acupuncture is said to cure! Your opinion?

   Dear Radion Gennadievich! My name is Natalia, I am 33 years old. I beg you to help me. At the end of December, I started having pain in my neck and under my shoulder blade, at first I thought I just had a cold, but after a few days, my right arm started to hurt a lot, it was a wild pain, it felt like it was being torn away from me. I went to the hospital and was diagnosed with deficient spondylosis and osteochondrosis. I completed a course of treatment, but my pain does not go away. Painkillers don't help. Now I’m taking Lyrica, which I prescribed for myself, it’s a little easier, the pain doesn’t go away completely, but I can move it, even do something. Please answer my letter. I was told that I would most likely need surgery.

   

   Dear Radion Gennadievich. Please tell me how to cope with dizziness and a feeling of instability with a diagnosis of: osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, arthrosis of the facet joints and uncovertebral joints, disc herniation c4-5, disc protrusion 5-6.

   

   Good afternoon It all started after I held the Weight in my outstretched arms for a minute and a half, a day later I suddenly became ill, there was pain under the left shoulder blade, weakness, nausea, loss of appetite, general malaise, after two days of this condition I went to the hospital, they took pictures of the cervical spine, the diagnosis was overexertion muscle corset, osteochondrosis, beak-shaped processes, after taking ketonal he became like a cucumber in the evening. After an unsuccessful trip to a pain therapist, after the third session, a sharp weakness of the whole body began in attacks, dizziness, weakness in the left arm and leg, the pressure jumped. I did a cardiogram, everything was fine. After this, I had an MRI, I am attaching a description; over the course of a year, these attacks were repeated periodically, unexpectedly, in a sitting or standing position. It also goes away quickly within about 20 minutes, in a raised or bent position the arm gets tired and numb, the neck does not hurt at all, in the area of ​​the c4-c7-t1-2 disc, a sensation of nagging pain and sends to the muscle punishes the beginning of the trapezius and down towards the scapula . One phenomenon is when I drink alcohol, I groan, I don’t feel any discomfort, even from a bottle of beer. I ask you to explain the inexplicable and help me with my illness.

   

   Protrusions all over the back. 4 years ago I could not straighten up, I underwent a course of medication, after which I have been studying with B in Kyiv for 4 years (with interruptions). I feel better after exercise, but lately my neck has been straining. I did a repeat MRI of the entire back - absolute stenosis c5-7 in the cervical spine, a hernia appeared in the lumbar spine. Nothing hurts, there is no numbness. Only when idle for a long time (without training) does it start to feel tight or painful, and my neck has always been tight lately.
   A neurosurgeon and surgery are recommended.
   In your practice, is abs stenosis a sentence for surgery or is there a chance? What to do?

   Good afternoon. I had an MRI and found a C5/C6 disc herniation. what to do and what to do? Is it possible to cure a hernia and in what way??

   

   Dear Radion Gennadievich! I beg you to help me! Since April of this year, I have had an unpleasant feeling - a lump in my throat, a feeling of fullness and heaviness in my neck, which has been getting worse since lunch! occipital pain, tinnitus, also pain under the collarbones, but the hands and fingers do not go numb. I went through many specialist doctors, and as a result, an MRI showed a broad-based C5-C6 hernia with lateralization to the right up to 3.5 mm. Is it possible to do without surgery in this case? Is there a chance of conservative treatment? Thank you!!!

   For an accurate answer, an in-person consultation is necessary, but I can tell you in advance based on the size; I don’t see any direct indications for surgery. You also have vertebrobasilar insufficiency.

2. Dear Radion Gennadievich! I hasten to you for help in the hope of a logical solution to our diagnosis. My dad was diagnosed by a neurosurgeon based on MRI: Osteochondrosis of the spine. 3rd period. Paramedian herniation of the m/n discs C5-C6 and C6-C7, on the left. 3 tbsp. Cervicalgia. Radiculopathy C5, C6, left. The doctor said that neurosurgical intervention was needed.
   Dad's complaints: pain in the cervical spine and left arm.

   Consultant: What is dad's age? It is necessary to see the MRI film itself.

   

   Good afternoon Constant pain in the neck, left shoulder blade and headaches in the back of the head. Outpatient and inpatient treatment did not produce visible results. An MRI showed a hernia. I would like to consult whether I need surgery on the cervical spine c5 c6. Thank you.

   Hello, please comment on my diagnosis, why it is dangerous and whether I can carry a child. CERVICAL LORDOSIS IS STRAIGHTENED WITH THE FORMATION OF KYPHOTIC DEFORMATION IN THE C3-C6 SEGMENTS. The intensity of the MR signal from the C3-C7 discs is reduced. The endplates of the bodies C5, C6, vertebrae with the presence microsurative defects. Posterior osteophytes of the C4-C7 vertebrae. Median-paramedian subligamentous hernia C5/C6 measuring 0.35 cm; the spinal canal at the level of disc prolapse is narrowed - 1.0 cm. Median C3/C4 measuring 0.2 cm.... CONCLUSION: the beginning of dystrophic changes cervical spine dorsal extrusion of the C5/6 disc, dorsal protrusion of the C4/4 disc. Relative stenosis at the level of the C5/6 segment….. The pain is constant but tolerable, I can’t sit for a long time, my neck feels like a stake, I ask for your advice and is surgery necessary?

   Hello! Please tell me whether a vertebral hernia of the 5-6 vertebrae is curable, or can it only be suspended and you will experience pain from its presence for the rest of your life.

   Hello! Please comment!

   

3. Hello, I have very strong headaches, my blood pressure has increased to 160, severe dizziness, swaying to the sides, my neck hurts, my head feels like cotton wool. The pressure does not decrease with pills, I was prescribed an MRI. Diagnosis: Signs of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the cervical spine. Right foramen herniation of the C5-C6 intervertebral disc. Protrusion of the C6C7 intervertebral disc. Local hydromyelia at the C5-C6 level. Changes in statics. Please tell me how can I get rid of dizziness and what is done in such cases?

   Contact a competent cardiologist to help with blood pressure control. Treatment of the spine is secondary. Best regards.

4. Cervical spine. In the C5-6 segment, prolapse of a disc fragment in the medial posterior direction up to 3 mm is visualized with signs of compression of the anterior chamber of the dural sac. Is this dangerous and what should I do now?

   Without treatment, this can cause numbness in the fingers, weakness and muscle atrophy. Chronic neck pain. Sign up for an in-person consultation to choose a further treatment method. With respect.

5. Hello, My name is Olga, I would like to consult. My husband began to experience pain in the thoracic spine and numbness in his fingers. We had an MRI. Here are the results: MRI of the cervical spine smoothed the cervical lordosis, the C2-C7 discs were dehydrated.
   At the levels C2-C3, C4-C5, C5-C6, no significant disc prolapse towards the spinal canal was detected.
   At the level of C3-C4 there is slight bulging of the disc along the posterior edge.
   At the C6-C7 level, there is a median-paramedian right-sided disc herniation up to 5 mm, bilaterally 12 mm, limited by lateral osteophytes of the vertebrae, with deformation of the right lateral canal, with an impact on the root. The anterior chamber of the dural sac is compressed, with deformation and compression of the spinal cord. The midsagittal diameter of the spinal canal is narrowed to 6 mm.
   The spinal cord has a homogeneous structure, without foci of myelischemia.
   Conclusion: MRI signs of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the cervical spine. C6-C7 disc herniation.
   Please tell me what we should do, and do we need surgery? Thank in advance,

   Unfortunately, numbness of the fingers indicates significant involvement of the nerve root, strangulation by a hernia. Surgeries in the cervical spine are performed extremely rarely due to many complications. Sign up for an in-person consultation to choose further treatment tactics. With respect.

6. Hello! My name is Tatyana, I am 54 years old. Complaints of severe pain in the cervical region radiating to the right arm. She has been sick with osteochondrosis for about 20 years, for the last 15 days after a careless movement there has been severe pain, the movement of her arm has been sick with osteochondrosis for about 20 years, for the last 15 days after a careless movement she has had severe pain, her movement of her arm is limited. An MRI study showed: Lordosis is straightened. The height of the vertebral bodies is preserved. There is deformation and minor degenerative changes in the vertebral endplates, as well as marginal osteophytes along the anterior and posterolateral surfaces of the vertebrae. In the C5-C6 segment, there is a right-sided paramedian disc herniation up to 0.5 cm, compression of the root on the right. C6-C7 median-paramedian disc herniation up to 0.5 cm in size with narrowing of the intervertebral foramina, with compression of the roots. The facet joints are deformed. Pathological formations are not visualized in the spinal canal. Conclusion: MRI signs of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the cervical spine, disc herniations at the level of C5-C6 and C6-C7. After viewing the MRI, the doctor prescribed physio: bioptron and magnet (in combination with drug treatment, after which slight pain relief appears). Please advise whether I am at risk of surgery with this conclusion and is there any point in doing physical treatment in this case (I have been undergoing physical therapy for 4 days, there is no improvement)?

   Consultant: Such physiotherapeutic treatment will be ineffective; the symptoms can be relieved a little with medication, but this has nothing to do with treatment. The course of treatment usually consists of correcting the spine, eliminating the cause of hernias, freeing nerve roots from pinching, prescribing therapeutic exercises, and strengthening the muscular-ligamentous system. With timely treatment, surgery can be avoided in 95% of cases.

7. Andreev Andrey Viktorovich. DOB 23.10.64 C5/C6 disc herniation. They advise to have surgery.
   On a series of MR tomograms weighted by T1 and T2 in three projections, lordosis is straightened. The height of the intervertebral discs C2/C3, C4-C6 and the signal from them along T2 are reduced, the height of the remaining discs in the studied zone is preserved, the signal from them is moderately reduced. The posterior longitudinal ligament is compacted.
   Dorsal right-sided paraforaminal disc herniation C5/C6, covered with osteophytes, up to 0.6 cm in size, spreading cranially and caudally up to 0.3 cm, narrowing the right intervertebral foramen, compressing the adjacent parts of the dural sac. The anteroposterior size of the spinal canal at this level is 1.1 cm.
   Dorsal medial protrusion of the C2/C3 disc, 0.2 cm in size.
   Narrowing of the joint spaces, moderately pronounced marginal osteophytes and deformation of the uncovertebral joints are detected.
   The shape and size of the vertebral bodies are normal, dystrophic changes in the vertebral bodies, moderate marginal bone growths along the anterolateral surfaces of the vertebral bodies.
   Conclusion: MR picture of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the cervical spine. C5/C6 disc herniation. Signs of arthrosis, uncovertebral joints.
   Everyone is talking about the operation. Please advise what I should do. Is there any other treatment possible?

   Consultant: We are not a “country of Soviets”; the operation must be carried out according to absolute indications. So far you don’t see any, and the size of the hernia, from practice, doesn’t mean anything. Seek a consultation to get the answer: “Are there any absolute indications at the moment? Is it possible to treat the disease conservatively?

   Good afternoon
   I was diagnosed with a hernia of c5-c6 5 mm, canal 8 mm after MRI. After an examination, the neurologist indicated the absence of any changes in neurology, except for pain and pins and needles in the neck, prescribed 10 days of droppers and injections to relieve swelling of the roots, and then exercise therapy, a magnet, etc. On the Internet I found the Bub**kogo clinic, which offers to do physical exercises right from the first session. Somehow this alarmed me. Judging by the descriptions on your website, strengthening the muscles of the cervical spine needs to be done very carefully. Please tell me whether the neurologist prescribed IVs and injections for me correctly, or can I do exercise therapy right away, do I need a Shants collar and, in general, what should I do? Thank you.

   Consultant: You must understand for yourself that the need for a Shants collar is assessed taking into account many factors, but we use it extremely rarely. You have not yet consulted either us or B. - you should not consider the methods as completely opposite methods, but rather complementary ones. We recommend first removing the cause, and then strengthening the corset.