musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Cervical Herniated Nucleus Pulposus
Symptoms and Signs of Cervical Herniated Nucleus Pulposus
Herniated disks often cause no symptoms, or they may cause symptoms and signs in the distribution of affected nerve roots. Pain usually develops suddenly, and neck pain is typically relieved by rest and modification of activity. In contrast, nerve root pain caused by an epidural tumor or abscess begins more insidiously, and neck pain is worse at night while in bed. In patients with cervical disc herniations, there can be pain with flexion or combined extension and rotation, which can radiate to the upper extremities. Muscle weakness, numbness, and paresthesias can also be present in the upper extremities. 