Lumbar herniated disc vs Cervical Herniated Disc

There are two primary reasons why Cervical Herniated Disc is not a common condition as a Lumbar Herniated Disc. Primarily, cervical spine does not have much disc material. Second, not much force is applied to along cervical spine when compared to the lumbar area of the spine. Treating herniated cervical disc can be extremely complex and debilitating a task.

Cervical herniated disc affects the neck of a person. In the section of the cervical spine, person experiences pain from the neck downwards arms and the fingers. Pain can trigger at any time. Chances are that symptoms can affect the neck, arms, scapula, back of the skull, shoulder, shoulder griddle and hand.

Near about ninety percent of disc herniation takes place in the lumbar area of the spine. Even though disc herniation largely affects the lumbar region, approximately one in patient suffer from cervical herniated discs. In case of pain in lumbar herniated disc, it radiates down the leg into the foot.

There are five segments, of which, human spine is made of – coccyx, the cervical spine, lumbar spine, sacrum and the thoracic spine. Each of these segments has an important role to play by supporting different body parts. The human spine is able to perform several tasks due to the presence of soft cushion cartilage located in between each vertebra. They work as padding absorbing pressures of several activities and movements.

It is because of the presence of these soft tissues that the cervical spine, located in the neck, can move and support head and the lumbar spine, located in the lower back, can support much of the body weight. However, it is important for you to know that like any other body part, intervertebral discs are prone to damage and wear and tear. With aging, discs start degenerating causing slipping, bulging, herniation and rupture.

If discs start herniating, there is high peril they will pinch or apply pressure on the neighbouring spinal cord and nerve roots. This, in turn, can interrupt signals being sent and received from the brain to remaining body or might trigger pain too.

There are three types of herniated discs

• Cervical herniated discs – located between the 7 vertebrae in the neck
• Lumbar Herniated Discs – located between the 5-6 vertebrae in the lower back
• Thoracic herniated discs – it is located between the 12 vertebrae in the mid of the back

There are many people who suffer from disc herniation condition every year. The sad part is that most of the people ignore initial signals and continue with their routine tasks until the conditions persists to an extent that even movement becomes difficult. It is strongly recommended to see a doctor, orthopedic surgeon or healthcare specialists as soon as you experience pain in neck, lower back or from legs down into the foot. Timely treatment can improve the condition. Erik Bendiks, MD, is a renowned and experienced orthopedic surgeon who has been treating spinal conditions using the most advanced minimally invasive surgical techniques. When you visit him for either Lumbar or cervical Herniated disc, you can be assured to get the most effective and quality treatment.

PCC is a National Prepaid Master Dealer for T-Mobile. PCC represents T-Mobile in all channels for close to two decades.