A herniated disc in the neck occurs when one of the seven cervical discs that provide cushion between each vertebra starts putting pressure on a nerve root, or worse, the spine.

The discs are doughnut-shaped, spongy cushions that fit between each vertebra to absorb shock and tie the vertebrae together to ease bending and twisting.

Discs are made of cartilage that holds a jellylike substance. If the cartilage tears and leaks, the condition is called herniation, also known as a ruptured disc or slipped disc.

The combined team of orthopedic spine and neuroscience specialists at Norton Leatherman spine

is the premier destination for patients in Louisville, Southern Indiana and beyond with herniated disc in the neck, also known as cervical radiculopathy or a pinched nerve in the neck.

Our skilled physicians have the experience to identify the correct treatment for a broad range of spinal conditions — including the most complicated issues — as well as neck pain and arm pain that affect many patients every day.

Our specialists know surgery isn’t right for everyone. If simpler treatments don’t work, and relief will come only from an operation, you’ll want surgeons at the leading edge of technology, using minimally invasive procedures.

Symptoms of a Herniated Disc in the Neck

• Numbness or tingling in a shoulder or arm that may go down to your fingers
• Pain in a hand or arm
• Neck pain or numbness
• Deterioration of fine motor skills
• Trouble with coordination and feeling off balance

Lumbar disc herniation refers to this condition in the lower back and tends to cause pain in the back and legs.

With a combination of nonsurgical, surgical and innovative techniques, we can help relieve a herniated disc in the neck.

Nonsurgical Treatment for Disc Herniation in the Neck

• Our physicians will recommend observation for minor herniated disc symptoms that aren’t getting worse or causing significant difficulties. Observation includes visits at regular intervals to ensure the condition isn’t progressing.
• Prescription medication can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
• Physical therapy and occupational therapy can improve symptoms.
• Injections can treat pain and reduce swelling.

Surgical Options

Severe disc herniation in the neck may be treated with surgery if the condition causes pain or weakness, or if it worsens.

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) or Cervical Disc Arthroplasty (CDA)

New advances allow for minimally invasive approaches with less recovery time and less postoperative pain. Surgery reduces pain and restores function by removing bone and ligament overgrowth or disc material compressing the nerves.

The expertise of our surgeons helps us choose the right procedure the first time, minimizing the risk for complications or additional surgery.

Posterior Cervical Laminotomy/Foraminotomy

Depending on your case, our surgeons may perform a minimally invasive discectomy or laminotomy to remove the part of the herniated disc in your neck causing pain.

In a minimally invasive procedure, we make small incisions through which we can remove the herniated disc. This relieves pressure on the nerve and helps relieve pain.

A smaller incision means you can get back on your feet faster and resume living your life. Patients typically go home the day after surgery.

Spine Care From World-renowned Specialists

Norton Leatherman Spine is a world-renowned program delivering groundbreaking care and treatment for back, neck and spine conditions and procedures.

• Nationally recognized spine surgery fellowship program with over 150 trained fellows
• First in the world to perform robotic spine surgery using the Medtronic Mazor X Stealth Edition, demonstrating leadership in surgical innovations
• First health system in the nation to be recognized as an Advanced Orthopedic & Spine Center of Excellence by DNV
• First in the state of Kentucky to use the EOS Imaging system, a high-resolution image system with 50% to 85% less radiation exposure than traditional X-rays and CT scans
• More than 4,000 surgeries performed each year
• Recognized as a national benchmark for patient-reported outcome measures against spine surgeons across the nation, ensuring high-quality, data-driven care
• A team of 45 highly regarded specialists, including orthopedic spine surgeons, neurosurgeons and pain management specialists
• Internationally recognized leaders in clinical research of spinal disease, injury and deformity, opioid management, spine surgical innovations, scoliosis and more
• Specialists who have served in senior positions in the Scoliosis Research Society, the prestigious organization for scoliosis surgeons around the world
• Kenton D. Leatherman, M.D., the program namesake, was the first doctor in Kentucky to repair scoliosis surgically