Neck pain, arm pain & nerve compression — non-surgical support with spinal decompression
What Is a Cervical Disc Herniation?
A cervical disc herniation occurs when the inner material of a spinal disc in the neck (the nucleus pulposus) pushes through a weakened or torn section of the outer layer (the annulus fibrosus). When the disc material protrudes outward, it can irritate or compress nearby nerves, leading to neck pain, arm pain (cervical radiculopathy), stiffness, muscle tension, numbness, or tingling in the arms or hands.
Common levels affected include:
C4-C5- C5-C6
- C6-C7
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
Neck Symptoms
-
Sharp, burning, or aching neck pain - Reduced neck movement or stiffness
- Pain that worsens with looking down, driving, lifting, or computer work
- "Crunching" or grinding sensations
Headaches
- Base-of-skull headaches
- Pain behind the eyes or into the jaw
- Pain when sitting, bending, or twisting
- "Crunching" or grinding sensations
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
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
Clinical Studies Support
-
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
- May retract the herniated material inward
- Creates more space for irritated nerves
- Improves circulation and disc hydration
Reasons 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
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?
While it varies, most people require a structured program of:
- 2–3 sessions per week
- for 6–10 weeks
Disc healing is gradual, and ongoing compression must be relieved consistently. We incorporate chiropractic care, decompression and rehabilitation to improve long-term stability — not just short-term pain relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — when properly assessed and supervised by a trained chiropractor. Manufacturer-provided clinical information and published research relating to BTL spinal decompression systems indicate that, when appropriately prescribed and supervised, spinal decompression is generally well tolerated in eligible patients. As with any clinical intervention, suitability must be determined through individual assessment, and responses may vary.
No. Most people find it relaxing. You should not feel pain during treatment.
Many cases of arm pain and numbness are caused by cervical disc herniation compressing nerve roots. Decompression may help reduce nerve compression and improve symptoms.
This varies. We combine decompression with corrective chiropractic care and rehabilitation to support long-term results.
MRIs are helpful but not required. Your chiropractor will determine whether imaging is needed before proceeding.
Book an Assessment
If you're experiencing neck pain, arm pain, numbness or symptoms of a cervical herniated disc, our chiropractors can assess whether spinal decompression may be suitable for you.
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