What Treatment Options Exist for C4/C5 or C5/C6 Herniated Discs?

A herniated disc in the neck, typically involving the C4/C5 or C5/C6 disc levels, causes neck pain and stiffness, as well as shoulder pain and numbness in the arms and hands. The discs that cushion you from pressure between your vertebrae can rupture or bulge due to an accident.

When they do, they can compress nearby nerves. Your diagnosis will guide whether treatment includes surgery or other less drastic means. It depends on the severity of your herniation, your overall health, and your personal circumstances. 

Here are the treatment options that can help relieve pain, restore mobility, and support recovery after this kind of injury.

1. Rest and Physical Therapy

For most people with a herniated disc, rest and physical therapy are the first steps. If not disturbed by heavy activity, the inflammation will go down and the disc will heal. 

Physical therapists perform soft tissue stretching and strengthening exercises to stabilize the neck and improve posture, thereby alleviating nerve compression. If done correctly, this method can sometimes help you feel better in weeks to months, especially with mild to moderate herniations.

2. Medications for Pain and Inflammation

Medications play a major role in managing symptoms. Mild discomfort may be relieved with ibuprofen or acetaminophen, both of which are available over the counter. Doctors may prescribe muscle relaxants, corticosteroids, or nerve pain medications such as gabapentin for more severe pain.

Sometimes, epidural steroid injections may be performed to address inflammation of the affected disc and nerve roots directly. Injections can provide considerable relief and may delay or even avoid the need for surgery when combined with physical therapy.

3. Chiropractic and Alternative Therapies

For some patients, a chiropractor or alternative treatments, such as acupuncture, can have a positive impact. These methods aim to release the tension in the nearby muscles and realign the spine.

They relieve pressure on the spine and help with pain and relaxation, although they don’t correct the herniation. Do not make the condition worse by working with people who are unqualified and unfamiliar with cervical spine injuries.

4. Surgical Options for Severe Cases

Surgery may be needed if conservative treatment is not successful or neurological symptoms worsen. Surgery aims to either remove or repair the damaged disc that is exerting pressure on the nerves or spinal cord.

Common procedures include.

• Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) surgery begins with the surgeon making an incision in the front of the neck. The damaged disk is removed to relieve pressure on the nearby nerves and spinal cord. A graft or spacer is inserted into the space left by the removed disk. This graft stabilizes the spine.
• Cervical Disc Replacement: Instead of fusing the vertebrae, an artificial disc is placed to restore movement at that level.
• Posterior Cervical Discectomy: Using an incision accessed on the back of the neck, this option removes fragments pressing on the nerve root.

Recovery after surgery varies from patient to patient; however, most patients have been able to regain strength and mobility after receiving treatment for long-term pain or nerve compression.

Legal Support for Herniated Disc Injuries

If you suffer a herniated disc because of a car crash, a fall, or a workplace accident caused by somebody’s negligence, you could recover for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. It’s not uncommon for symptoms to not appear for days, weeks, or even months after the injury. This can make these cases complicated. 

Insurance companies will often claim that the accident or incident didn’t cause the injury. A personal injury attorney who has experience collects medical proof, talks with insurance agents, and works tirelessly for the payment you deserve so that you can heal.

Take Away

Recovery from a C4/C5 or C5/C6 disc herniation is a gradual process that requires patience. Early diagnosis and proper medical attention help avoid complications and restore the normal functional status. The following are the key treatment options:

• Physical therapy: exercises to improve strength and flexibility
• Medication to reduce pain and inflammation
• Surgery: relieve pressure on nerves in extreme cases
• Lifestyle adjustments: posture, activity modifications, and ergonomic support

If somebody else’s negligence caused your injury, an attorney can help you get medical care, therapy, and lost wages compensated.