bulging disc in neck symptoms

4 Classic Symptoms Of Bulging Disc In Neck

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Clients and patients often present to chiropractors and other health practitioners with the classic signs of a bulging disc in their lower back because they knew which symptoms to watch out for. Pain when sitting, sciatica pain radiating down the leg, and pain when pushing, pulling and sneezing. Much less well understood, however, are the classic symptoms of bulging neck discs.

Why’s that? It’s purely a numbers game. While 8 in 10 people will experience lower back pain at some point or another in their lives due to problems with the intervertebral discs, similar neck problems including the offending neck disc bulge – known collectively as cervical spine issues – are somewhat less common. On average, problems with the discs in the C1-C7 region – the neck – affect only 30-50% of the population, making the classic symptoms of a bulging disc in neck less well understood.

So today, we’re going to demystify those bulging disc in neck symptoms by running through what aches, pains and other sensations you should be watching out for.

First things first, though: the condition known as bulging discs in the neck and upper back region or some variation is technically called a cervical herniated disc. It’s when the gel-like material inside the disc either herniates, ruptures or otherwise encroaches on the cervical disc wall. The pain and discomfort are caused by the damaged disc encroaching into the spinal canal or otherwise coming into contact with the nerve roots.

What does it feel like? Most patients report sharp pain in their neck, arm or both, while other structures around the area – including the spinal cord itself – can become inflamed. And we think there are 5 specific symptoms and signs caused by bulging discs in neck that you should know about:

1. Neck pain

This is the obvious one, which is normally felt either at the back or on one particular side of your neck. The pain can range from mild to burning, and the affected area is also likely to be tender when pressed on.

2. Radicular pain

This is the sensation of a spinal nerve becoming irritated or pinched as it sends painful ectopic nerve impulses from the neck or upper back radiating down your shoulder, upper arm, forearm, hand and into the fingers. Some clients report it as a hot, shooting, electric shock sensation.

3. Cervical radiculopathy

Also caused by bulging neck discs, this is when the sensation of the nerve damage results in neurological effects including numbness, weakness and even altered reflexes. The feeling can extend throughout the shoulder, arm, hand and fingers and become worse with certain movements or activities.

4. Neck stiffness

We all sometimes wake up with a stiff neck, but when it keeps coming back or it’s worse than a typical mild neck strain, the stiffness can be one of the symptoms of a bulging disc in neck. It happens when the damaged disc results in inflammation of the tissues in the surrounding region.

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LRCC can help with your neck disc bulge

Did you know our North Shore chiropractors can help with your neck disc bulge? Without surgery or medication, they may consider a range of completely safe and scientifically-proven chiropractic techniques and treatments including spinal manipulation, flexion-distraction, cold laser therapy, pelvic blocking treatments and much more.

If you’re interested in pursuing a totally personalised plan for bulging disc treatment in Sydney, our friendly team at Longueville Road Chiropractic Centre would love to hear from you so you can get back to doing everything you love as soon as possible. Give us a call, contact us online or drop us an email today!