Causes and treatment of cervical disc herniation

A quick shop after a long day at work and then a cosy evening - sounds good! As you get off the bus with your heavy shopping bag, you suddenly feel a sharp pain in your neck.

There are many causes of a slipped disc. The most common causes include incorrect loading, lack of exercise, poor posture and being overweight. Below we explain how a cervical disc hernia develops, how it can be recognised and treatment options.

How does a cervical disc herniation develop?

A cervical disc herniation occurs when one of the discs in the cervical spine, which act as a buffer between the vertebrae, is damaged. These discs consist of a gel-like core surrounded by a firmer ring. In the event of a herniation, this core can leak out through cracks in the outer ring and press on nearby nerves. This can lead to pain, numbness, tingling or weakness in the arms, hands and occasionally the upper body. The causes can be degeneration (age-related wear and tear), injury or other factors that lead to overloading or damage to the cervical spine.

How do you recognise a general slipped disc?

Pain in the corresponding section of the spine is typical. The pain can also radiate to other parts of the body. If the slipped disc is in the lumbar spine, the pain can radiate into the buttocks or leg. If the cervical spine is affected, it sometimes also hurts in the neck or arm. There may also be sensory disturbances such as tingling or numbness.

Treatment of a herniated disc

The treatment of a herniated disc depends on the severity of the symptoms and the patient's specific situation. It often begins with conservative measures such as pain management using medication to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

Physiotherapy is also a common recommendation, as targeted exercises can help to improve flexibility and strength in the affected areas, reducing stress on the spine and promoting healing. In some cases, other methods of pain relief such as heat or cold therapy, electrical nerve stimulation or acupuncture can also be helpful. If conservative methods are not sufficient and symptoms remain severe, surgical intervention may be considered.

Preventive tips for everyday life

- Organise your workplace ergonomically
- Maintain an upright, relaxed working position at home.
- Take frequent breaks when working in a seated position, stand up and walk a few steps.
- Avoid lifting loads in a stooped position with a rounded back.
- Keep an eye on your body weight.

How can Calopad®'s deep heat help?

Calopad® deep heat therapy device is popular for the treatment of pain caused by herniated discs, for example. The patented deep heat promotes blood circulation by dilating the blood vessels, which accelerates the transport of oxygen and nutrients to the painful areas and at the same time helps to remove waste and inflammatory substances more quickly. The heat also helps to reduce muscle tension and stiffness, which can be caused by a herniated disc. These measures can provide significant pain relief, making Calopad® a practical and effective method for self-treatment of neck & back pain and other musculoskeletal complaints.