From the Research
Symptoms of cervical spine stenosis and herniated disc at the C4-C5 level typically include neck pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the shoulders, arms, and hands, as well as stiffness in the neck and headaches. These symptoms occur because the herniated disc material or narrowed spinal canal compresses the spinal cord or nerve roots at the C4-C5 level, disrupting normal nerve function and causing both local and referred pain patterns 1.
Common Symptoms
- Neck pain that may radiate to the shoulders, arms, and hands
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in these areas
- Stiffness in the neck
- Headaches, particularly at the base of the skull
- Difficulty with fine motor skills like writing or buttoning clothes In more severe cases, balance problems, difficulty walking, and bladder or bowel dysfunction may occur 2.
Treatment Approaches
Treatment usually begins with conservative approaches, including:
- NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen for pain and inflammation
- Physical therapy focusing on gentle neck exercises and proper posture
- Muscle relaxants like cyclobenzaprine for muscle spasms or gabapentin for nerve pain 3. If conservative treatments fail, surgery such as anterior cervical discectomy and fusion or artificial disc replacement may be recommended for cases with persistent neurological symptoms or pain unresponsive to other treatments 1. It's essential to note that the prognosis for complete remission is usually favorable, and primary therapy is almost always conservative 1. However, in cases with severe neurological deficits or significant spinal cord compression, surgical intervention may be necessary to prevent further deterioration and improve quality of life 4, 2.