CERVICAL DISC HERNIATION

Neck pain, arm pain & nerve compression — non-surgical support with spinal decompression

![https://api.completechirocare.com.au/uploads/unnamed_644c4a2bc2.gif,https://api.completechirocare.com.au/uploads/unnamed_3_5efe297ffd.png]

What Is a Cervical Disc Herniation?

A cervical disc herniation occurs when the inner gel-like centre of a disc in the neck pushes through the disc wall. This herniation can compress spinal nerves — or, in more severe cases, the spinal cord — leading to pain, weakness, and neurological symptoms.

Common levels affected include:

• C5–C6

• C6–C7

• C4–C5

These levels correspond to different nerve pathways in the shoulder, arm and hand.

Unlike a bulging disc (where the disc wall remains intact), a herniated disc involves a tear or rupture, making symptoms potentially more intense.

Symptoms of a Cervical Disc Herniation

![https://api.completechirocare.com.au/uploads/unnamed_4_5fa4a9c5cb.jpg,https://api.completechirocare.com.au/uploads/unnamed_3_f1fb0bf633.jpg]

Symptoms may be constant or intermittent and often include:

Neck Symptoms

• Sharp, burning, or aching neck pain

• Reduced neck movement or stiffness

• Pain that worsens with looking down, driving, lifting or computer work

Shoulder & Arm Symptoms (Cervical Radiculopathy)

• Pain radiating from the neck into the shoulder, arm or forearm

• Numbness or tingling in the arm or fingers

• Weakness in grip, triceps, biceps or hand muscles

• “Electric shock” sensations with neck movement

Headaches

• Base-of-skull headaches

• Pain behind the eyes or into the jaw

Spinal Cord Compression (Rare but Serious)

If the herniation pushes into the spinal canal, you may experience:

• Clumsiness in hands

• Difficulty buttoning shirts or writing

• Balance problems

This requires prompt assessment.

What Causes Cervical Disc Herniation?

Age-related disc weakening

Discs lose hydration and flexibility as we age.

Poor posture

Forward head posture, prolonged sitting, laptop use, device use (“tech neck”).

Injury or trauma

Whiplash, falls, sports injuries or heavy lifting.

Repetitive strain

Desk work, long hours driving, manual labour.

Sudden load

Lifting and twisting simultaneously.

Cervical Disc Herniation vs Bulging Disc

• Bulging disc: disc wall intact, outer fibres expand outward

• Herniated disc: disc wall tears, inner material protrudes

Herniations typically cause more intense nerve compression.

How Spinal Decompression May Help Cervical Disc Herniation

![https://api.completechirocare.com.au/uploads/Copy_of_Photoroom_20251212_174054_7dddde58fc.jpg,https://api.completechirocare.com.au/uploads/unnamed_1_68e897d943.jpg]

Your uploaded clinical studies (Arumugam JSNS — Cervical Herniation) support the use of decompression for:

• reducing pain scores

• improving neurological function

• reducing disc protrusion size on imaging

• improving range of motion

What Decompression Does Mechanically

• Gently stretches the cervical spine

• Reduces pressure within the disc

• May retract the herniated material inward

• Creates more space for irritated nerves

• Improves circulation and disc hydration

• Reduces muscular guarding and inflammation

Why patients choose decompression

• It is non-surgical

• It is gentle and computer-controlled

• It may help people avoid injections or surgery

• It is suitable for many people who dislike “cracking” or strong manual adjustments

Your First Visit: What to Expect

1. Clinical Examination

Your chiropractor performs:

• cervical neurological testing

• muscle strength and reflex testing

• orthopaedic assessments

• posture and range-of-motion testing

• review of MRI or X-ray (if available)

2. Candidacy Assessment

Not all herniations require decompression. Your chiropractor determines:

• whether decompression is appropriate

• which spinal level is involved

• what type of traction is safest (angle, force, cycles)

3. Customised Treatment Plan

Your plan may include:

• cervical decompression

• gentle chiropractic care

• postural strengthening

• ergonomic and lifestyle changes

Who Is a Good Candidate for Cervical Decompression?

You may be suitable if you have:

• MRI-confirmed cervical disc herniation

• nerve pain into the arm or hand

• numbness, tingling, or weakness

• chronic neck pain not resolving

• symptoms worse with sitting, working or driving

Not suitable if you have:

• spinal tumours

• unstable fractures

• advanced osteoporosis

• spinal infection

• pregnancy (cervical traction varies case by case)

How Many Sessions Are Needed?

Most programs for cervical disc herniation involve:

• 2–3 sessions per week

• 6–10 weeks, depending on severity

Disc healing and nerve recovery occur gradually.

FAQ

Can a cervical disc herniation heal?

Many improve significantly with the right care. Imaging may still show a herniation, but symptoms often reduce.

Do I need surgery?

Surgery is rarely required unless symptoms are severe, progressive, or affecting the spinal cord.

Does decompression hurt?

No — it is gentle, relaxing and highly controlled.

Is it safe?

Decompression is considered safe when performed by a trained chiropractor using proper screening.

How long until I feel better?

Most patients report improvement within the first few weeks.

Book an Assessment

If you're experiencing neck pain, arm pain or neurological symptoms due to a cervical disc herniation, our chiropractors can assess whether spinal decompression may be right for you.

➡️ Book Your 40-Minute Decompression Assessment