Herniated discs and cervical spondylosis are degenerative processes associated with aging and wear and tear of the spine. These conditions can lead to pain, especially if the affected disc is in the lower back, potentially irritating the sciatic nerve and causing pain through the buttock and leg. Fortunately, about 90% of herniated disc pain resolves on its own within six months.
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) surgery is a treatment that combines spinal decompression and spinal fusion. It is used for herniated discs, compressed nerves, and other neck conditions. Similarly, a cervical microdiscectomy is performed for herniated discs in the cervical spine. This surgery is particularly effective for relieving pressure on nerves, commonly known as a pinched nerve.
A bulging disc is different from a herniated disc; it occurs when the outer wall of the disc weakens but does not rupture. However, a herniated disc may start as a bulging disc before its outer wall ruptures due to significant pressure. This herniation can occur in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine.
The accompanying image is a lateral MRI of a disc herniation in the cervical spine at C5-C6, showing the herniation pressing into the spinal canal. In some cases, a cervical herniated disc may compress the spinal cord, a more serious condition.
The most common surgery for a herniated cervical disc is ACDF, where an incision is made in the neck to access the front of the spine. The disc is removed, relieving pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots. Microdiscectomy is another minimally invasive option, typically used for herniated discs that compress a spinal nerve, causing symptoms like pain, muscle weakness, and difficulty with repetitive motions.
For more information on these conditions and treatments, visit HSS Nonoperative Treatments for Cervical Radiculopathy, Harvard Health on Herniated Disc Healing, HSS Instrumented Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion, Columbia Neurosurgery Cervical Microdiscectomy, Columbia Neurosurgery on Herniated Discs, UTMC Cervical Disc Herniation PDF, UF Health Herniated Cervical Disc, and HSS Microdiscectomy Surgery for Herniated Disc.
