Herniated discs: That pain in your neck and what to do about it

If you are experiencing discomfort in your neck, now is the time to do something about it. Neck pain can be debilitating, frustrating and a barrier to your goals. The sooner you address the problem, the faster you will get back to living your life on your terms. Neck pain can be the result of an accident and may not always present itself immediately.

A herniated disc in the neck typically comes with one or more of the following symptoms:

• Pain, numbness or tingling in the neck, shoulders, back, arm and/or fingers
• Increased pain when moving
• Reduced range of motion

A herniated disc in your neck will put pressure on nerves. In addition to the pain, numbness and tingling, it can lead to weakness and loss of control in your hands. Losing feeling in your arms and hands can prove challenging and lead to involuntarily dropping items such as full coffee cups or tools you use on the job. Ignored neck pain can also trigger severe migraines. 

This isn’t an uncommon problem and is often the result of simply aging, though it can also be caused by genetics, a sedentary lifestyle, a strain, a sports injury or an automobile accident. Neck pain should never be ignored. Take the symptoms seriously and seek treatment. A herniated disc left untreated can lead to a more serious injury. 

Herniated disc in neck treatments

Physical therapists will work with you to strengthen the neck and surrounding muscles through various stretches and exercises. A focus on improved posture will not only relieve the pain but also help you prevent further injury. If posture is determined to be part of the problem, exercises to help strengthen your core will be recommended. 

The physical therapists at SSOR incorporate manual therapy when working with herniated disc neck symptoms. Using movement and trigger therapies, they work to relieve tension in the neck while also incorporating targeted exercises to increase strength and flexibility. The personalized treatment plan will help relieve the pain and reduce the likelihood of a more serious injury. Contact us today to set up your initial appointment for an individualized treatment to reduce neck pain.