The Disk and Neck Pain

When we tell you, "...you possess a cervical disk trouble," do you understand what that signifies? I didn't believe thus. As physicians, we talk about these matters so frequently, we sometimes just suppose you know what we are referring to. So first, sorry about that! Now, let us clear up the question, what is a cervical disk problem?


The definition of "cervical" means neck, just like the phrases "thoracic" signifies mid-again and "lumbar" signifies low again. Think of the disk as being similar to some jelly donut. The center of the disk is liquid-like (the nucleus), kind of like soft paraffin, and the outer component (the annulus) is tough and powerful and circles the nucleus center such as the rings of a recently cut oak tree stump. What makes the annulus/outer layer so powerful is the type of tissue it's made up of and, perhaps most important, the opposing criss cross pattern of every layer or ring of the annulus. Studies show that when the disc is pierced using a knife and compressed, this criss-cross pattern of the annulus levels self-seals the cut, leading to no leakage of the fluid centre.





So, the question is, how can a disc rupture, herniate or "slip" if it's so tough, powerful, and self-sealing? The clear answer: as the disk ages or when it is hurt, tears or "fissures" in the disc fibers happen creating rents or channels for the fluid part to perform its solution towards the border and ultimately break through the outer-most layer - consequently, the word "herniated disc."


Here's the strange part. Research tells us that about 50% of individuals have bulging disks (not quite herniated through) and 20% of us have herniated disks (that have popped through) but have NO PAIN AT ALL! That makes it demanding since an MRI or cat scan may demonstrate a herniated or bulging disk but how can we know that is the disk that is clinically important - The one that's making the painfulness? Although a disc may be bulging or herniated, we may not always treat that particular disk if it is not expressing itself clinically by creating a shooting pain down a specific place in an arm, normally below the elbow frequently into either the thumb or pinky side of the hand, with affiliated abnormal evaluations for strength and/or sensation. That's why we assess your reflexes, your strength, and sense for every single nerve. We Are checking to see if that herniated disc is "pinching" the nerve and if it is, we use manipulation, grip, PT modalities, and issue dwelling traction units to attempt to "un-emergency" that nerve to prevent surgical procedure.

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By Dr. Kip Rode