A herniated disc in the neck (cervical disc herniation) can cause neck pain and pain, numbness or weakness down one arm. Like low back discs, most improve without surgery within weeks to months. Surgery such as anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) or disc replacement is for progressive weakness, spinal cord compression or pain that does not settle.
Urgent signs
- Clumsy hands, trouble with buttons or handwriting
- Unsteady walking
- Weakness getting worse in the arm
These can mean pressure on the spinal cord (myelopathy) and need prompt specialist review.
Back or leg pain for more than 6 weeks? Get the free guide and a doctor review of your scan.
Treatment without surgery
- Physiotherapy and posture work
- Short-term pain relief
- Image-guided injections
- PRP and stem cells are minimally invasive alternatives for disc pain
Symptoms by level
| Level | Typical symptoms |
|---|---|
| C5-C6 | Pain into the shoulder, outer arm and thumb; weak biceps |
| C6-C7 | Pain into the middle finger; weak triceps |
| C7-T1 | Pain into the little finger; weak grip |
Causes
Age-related disc wear, long hours looking down at screens, contact sports, heavy overhead work and whiplash injuries.
Back or leg pain for more than 6 weeks? Get the free guide and a doctor review of your scan.
Treatment options
- Stem cell injection: a minimally invasive alternative to neck surgery for persistent disc pain
- Physiotherapy, posture and strengthening
- Short courses of pain relief
- Image-guided injections
- Surgery (ACDF or disc replacement) for spinal cord compression or worsening weakness
Neck surgery in numbers
Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion removes the disc through the front of the neck and fuses the vertebrae. Recovery usually takes several weeks, and fusion permanently stiffens that level. In the US, it commonly costs tens of thousands of dollars without insurance.
Daily tips
- Raise your screen to eye level
- Take breaks every 30 minutes
- Sleep with a supportive pillow that keeps the neck neutral
