The cervical (neck) part of the spinal column supports the weight of the head (approximately 7% of the body’s weight) and allows bending the head forward and backward, from side to side, and rotating 180 degrees.

In cervical spine occur only about 8% of intervertebral disc herniations because there is substantially less torque and force come across that part of the spine. However, if herniations do occur in cervical spine, they will mostly extrude out to the side of the spinal canal and impinge on the exiting nerve root caused a radiculopathy (arm pain).

If the space for the nerve root not fully compromised, the radiculopathy may be temporary and relieved with a course of conservative treatment, which usually includes:

• Manipulative treatment - helps to relieve the pressure on the nerve route;
• Medications - help to relieve the inflammation;
• Exercises - help to relive the pressure on the nerve route;
• Physiotherapy - helps to relive the pain syndrome.

Surgery for a herniated cervical disc, called a discectomy (surgical removal of the disc), may be an option if symptoms do not significantly improve within 6 to 12 weeks of conservative treatments.