What is cervical disc protrusion?

The history of this condition dates back to early civilizations, where Egyptians and Greeks were already talking about the relationship between spinal conditions and symptoms in the extremities. Hippocrates, with a more naturalistic view, prescribed rest, massages, heat, dietary changes and music to treat these symptoms. The medical term “protrusion” It comes from the Latin “protrusximo”, which means “forward shift”. In the context of cervical disc protrusion, it refers to the displacement of the cervical intervertebral disc. In 1911, doctors Joel E. Goldthwait and Robert B. Osgood mentioned disc protrusion when describing the cause of lower limb paresis. With the advances made in the 1980s in terms of imaging modalities, it was possible to highlight the different degrees of discopathies, differentiating between protrusion and disc extrusion. At that time, it was determined that the disc bulge was not pathological and that it should not be surgically removed. Before defining this pathology, it is necessary to understand that the intervertebral discs consist of a gelatinous structure covered by a fibrous cartilage ring. These discs are responsible for holding the bony bodies of the spine together.. In the cervical spine region, this joint is highly flexible, providing the neck with ample freedom of movement, making it prone to injury. With this understanding in mind, the cervical disc protrusion refers to a change pathological in the intervertebral disc, where the nucleus pulposus does not protrude and the fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc does not tear, but rather the disc arches outwards and, in the worst case, Tears slightly.

Cervical Disc Protrusion Symptoms

Cervical disc protrusion can present with a variety of symptoms that can significantly affect the quality of life of the affected individual. These symptoms may vary depending on the severity of the protrusion and whether there is compression of the adjacent nerve structures. Some of the more common symptoms include:

1. Neck pain: Pain in the cervical region is one of the most common symptoms of disc protrusion. It can manifest as dull, constant pain in the neck, which can worsen with specific movements or activities.
2. Radiating pain: Cervical disc protrusion can cause pain that radiates to the shoulders, arms, hands, and even fingers. This pain may follow a specific pattern that corresponds to the affected nerve root.
3. Tingling and numbness: Compression of the cervical nerve roots can cause abnormal sensations, such as tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arms, hands, or fingers. These symptoms are often experienced in the area corresponding to the affected nerve root.
4. Muscle weakness: Cervical disc protrusion can affect muscle function in the arms and hands, resulting in muscle weakness and difficulty performing tasks that require strength or dexterity.
5. Stiffness and limitation of movement: The pain and swelling associated with disc protrusion can lead to neck stiffness and a decrease in range of motion. Patients may experience difficulty turning the neck or moving it up or down.
6. Headache: Some people with cervical disc protrusion may experience headaches, especially if the protrusion affects nearby nerve structures that supply the head and neck.

Types of Cervical Disc Protrusion

Cervical disc protrusion can be classified into several types depending on the location and extent of the protrusion in relation to the affected intervertebral disc. The following are some of the most common types of cervical disc protrusion:

1. Central protrusion: In this type of protrusion, disc material moves toward the center of the spinal canal, putting pressure on the spinal cord and surrounding nerve structures. Central protrusion can cause symptoms such as neck pain, pain radiating to the arms and hands, numbness, muscle weakness, and decreased reflexes.
2. Lateral protrusion: In lateral protrusion, disc material moves to one side of the spinal canal, compressing the cervical nerve roots that emerge from the spinal cord in that area. This can cause pain in the neck, shoulders and arms, as well as tingling, numbness and weakness in the arm corresponding to the affected side.
3. Foraminal protrusion: This protrusion occurs when disc material moves into the neural foramen, also known as the intervertebral foramen, where nerve roots exit the spinal cord. Foraminal protrusion can directly compress the cervical nerve roots, causing pain, numbness, tingling and weakness in the arm and hand corresponding to the affected level.
4. Posterolateral protrusion: In this type of protrusion, disc material moves to the back and side of the spinal canal, putting pressure on the nerve structures in that region. Posterolateral protrusion can cause symptoms similar to other forms of protrusion, such as neck pain, radiating pain, and muscle weakness in the arms.

How Chiropractic Can Help with Cervical Protrusion

Chiropractic is an alternative medical discipline that focuses on the diagnosis and care of musculoskeletal disorders, including those affecting the spine and neck. For cervical protrusion, chiropractic offers a noninvasive, conservative approach that can help alleviate symptoms and improve cervical function.

1. Spinal adjustments: Chiropractic adjustments, also known as spinal manipulations, are techniques in which the chiropractor applies controlled and precise pressure to the cervical vertebrae to realign the spine. This can help reduce pressure on intervertebral discs and nerve structures, relieving pain and discomfort associated with cervical protrusion.
2. Manual therapy: In addition to spinal adjustments, chiropractors may employ a variety of manual therapy techniques to improve cervical mobility and function. These techniques can include massage, muscle stretching, joint manipulations, and myofascial release techniques, all designed to reduce stiffness and improve neck flexibility.
3. Therapeutic exercises: Chiropractors may recommend specific strengthening and stretching exercises to help stabilize the cervical spine and prevent future injuries. These exercises may include range-of-motion movements, neck strengthening exercises, and stretching techniques to improve cervical muscle flexibility.
4. Education and Counseling: An integral part of the chiropractic approach is to educate patients about proper posture, ergonomics, and healthy lifestyle habits that can help prevent the recurrence of cervical protrusion. This may include advice on how to maintain good posture when sitting and standing, safe lifting techniques, and recommendations for the proper use of electronic devices and work equipment.

Cervical Protrusion FAQs

What exactly is a cervical protrusion?

Cervical protrusion, also known as cervical disc protrusion or cervical disc herniation, is a condition that affects the intervertebral discs in the cervical spine. It occurs when jelly-like material inside the disc travels to the outside, putting pressure on surrounding structures, such as spinal nerves or nerve roots, which can cause symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the neck, shoulders, arms, or hands.

What are the symptoms of cervical protrusion?

The symptoms of cervical protrusion may vary depending on the location and severity of the herniated disc. However, common symptoms may include neck pain, stiffness, pain that radiates to the shoulders, arms, or hands, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and difficulty moving the neck.

What causes cervical protrusion?

Cervical protrusion can be caused by a variety of factors, including natural aging of the intervertebral discs, traumatic injuries, poor posture, repetitive neck movements, heavy lifting, obesity, and degenerative diseases of the spine, such as osteoarthritis.

How is cervical protrusion diagnosed?

The diagnosis of cervical protrusion usually begins with a complete medical evaluation, which may include a detailed medical history and physical exam. In addition, imaging tests, such as x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT), may be used to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate the severity of the cervical protrusion.

What is the treatment for cervical protrusion?

Treatment for cervical protrusion may vary depending on the severity of the symptoms and the patient's individual response. Treatment options may include physical therapy, pain medications, heat or cold therapy, epidural steroid injections, and in more serious cases, surgery. In addition, many people find relief through alternative approaches such as chiropractic, acupuncture, or manual therapy.

Is it possible to prevent cervical protrusion?

While it's not always possible to prevent cervical protrusion, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing this condition. These include maintaining proper posture, practicing safe lifting techniques, avoiding repetitive neck movements, maintaining a healthy weight, and regular exercise to strengthen neck and back muscles.