Who to refer for a cervical herniated disc?

From the Research

Referral Options for Cervical Herniated Disc

• Patients with cervical herniated disc can be referred to various healthcare professionals, including:
  • Orthopedic surgeons 1
  • Chiropractors 2
  • Physical therapists 3
• The choice of referral depends on the severity of symptoms and the presence of neurological deficits
• For patients with moderate neurological deficit, progressive deficit under conservative treatment, or poorly controlled pain, surgery may be recommended 4
• In cases of traumatic cervical disc herniation with neurologic deficit and without adjacent bone lesion, early recognition and referral to a specialist for surgical intervention, such as anterior cervical decompression and fusion, may be necessary 5

Conservative Treatment Options

• Conservative treatment, including chiropractic manipulative therapy, longitudinal cervical traction, and interferential therapy, may be a reasonable alternative to surgery for cervical radiculopathy caused by a herniated cervical disc 2
• Cervical traction and a home exercise program can also be effective in reducing symptoms and improving function 3

Surgical Treatment Options

• Surgery may be indicated for patients with symptomatic cervical myelopathy, moderate neurological deficit, or progressive deficit under conservative treatment 4
• Anterior cervical decompression and fusion using autologous iliac crest graft is a treatment option for traumatic cervical disc herniation with neurologic deficit and without adjacent bone lesion 5