C5-C6 Herniated Disc: Definition and Treatment | Back pain popularized by health professionals (2023)

Öneck pain, like back pain in general, is a major public health problem. This is a common cause for consultation, which can be traced back to several sources including:disc clampingC5-C6.

As the name suggests, it is responsible for the aging of the vertebraeLiquidation vondisco swirlsseparation ofwhirlcuello C5-C6.

The following article is a detailed answer to the questions related to C5-C6 disc narrowing, its clinical forms, its etiologies and its different treatments.

Anatomical reminder of the cervical spine

ÖCervical columnIn medical jargon, it is the name given to the bone structure that makes up the neck. It represents the first part of the spine and corresponds to the seven cervical vertebrae that separate the skull from the rib cage.

Firstvertebratethe neck is calledAtlas. Its anatomical design gives it the function of turning or tilting the head forwards and backwards.

The Atlas articulates with theaxis(2nd cervical vertebra) by articulating facets and a bony structure called a "tooth" to allow lateral rotational movement, like saying "no" with your head.

The rest of the vertebrae have a classic anatomical structure: body, disc, arches andspinous processesLines delimiting the vertebral foramen.

ÖBand washersThey are located between two vertebrae and have a shock-absorbing function due to their tissue structure (cartilage ring, gelatinous core) and allow the joint to be very flexible.Split.

What is a C5-C6 disc herniation?

Ödisc clamping, also calledDisk CompressionIt is a condition that affects the intervertebral disc and is characterized by a decrease in height. In fact, it is one of the clinical forms ofdegenerative disc disease.

The narrowing of the c5-c6 disc corresponds to a reduction in the height of the disc that separates the two c5 and c6 vertebrae, located at the base of the neck.

This pinch is associated with adehydrationmidisc wearwhich is usually the culmination of a vertebral aging process accelerated by factors such as degenerative disease,Cervical spondylosislifestyle habits.

Pinching can occur at any level of the spine. However, it more commonly affects the cervical and lumbar vertebrae due to the significant stresses these vertebrae are subjected to.

The people affected by this pathology are usually those who sit at the desk, but also certain employees such as truck drivers or jackhammer operators.

How does a narrowing of the intervertebral disc C5-C6 manifest itself?

The most common symptom of a narrowing of the C5-C6 disc isneck pain(cervical spine).

The pain is mechanical (related to rubbing between the vertebrae) and is located at the level of the disc between C5 and C6.

The friction between two vertebrae can manifest itself as a simple and not necessarily painful inflammation, which in the advanced stage of the disease can lead to the rupture of the intervertebral discChefits gelatinous substance describes what is calleddisc prolapse.

C5-C6 herniated disc affects the nerves of theBrachial plexuswhich innervate the muscles of the upper limbs (arms, forearms, shoulders and hands) as well as the head and neck. It is usually responsible for neurological symptoms such asdeafness,tingle, feelings ofburns, or even onemuscle weakness.

In addition to the pain associated with a herniated disc, patients are often affecteddegenerative disc disease. This occurs when the natural aging of the vertebrae is accelerated by the reoccurrence of poor neck posture and osteoarthritis.

Degenerative disc disease progresses spontaneously in aSpondylolisthesishowever, this is more common in the lumbar spine.

Causes of C5-C6 disc narrowing

C5-C6 disc herniation

This is a very common cause of C5-C6 disc narrowing. It is necessary to think about the symptoms described above in this article, but also about a patient who has weakness or even muscular atrophy of the upper limbs: mainly the muscles of the neck, shoulders and hands.

traumatic cause

The pinch in this case is brutally generated and the nature of the trauma may be related to direct injury or an accident. This can be an accident at work or on the road, an injury related to a violent sport (judo, boxing, etc.) or even lifting heavy loads.

the genetic factor

Genetics can play a role in the development of a small disc or other back problems. In fact, if you have a family history of herniated discs, you may be genetically predisposed to the same problem.

In addition, certain risk factors are likely to trigger or worsen pinching. Among these factors:

• arthrosis
• High age
• dehydration
• Lifestyle habits (poor neck posture)
• Öosteoporosisand take steroids
• Menopause

Diagnose eines C5-C6-Impingements

For symptoms suggestive of C5-C6 disc herniation, the doctor performs a complete physical examination, specifically with aneurological examinationcentered on the entire upper limb.

To aid in the diagnosis, you are then given the benefit of some complementary tests based mainly on the following factors:X-ray imaging supportCervical column,Acervical MRI(mark) and possibly aMyelographie.

Standard radiology can highlight compression from C5 to C6 (or complete disc flattening) as well as a reduction in cervical spine height.

MRI of the spine will determine the degenerative state of the intervertebral discs and detect the cause of a possible C5-C6 protrusion.

Treatment: what to do?

As with most back pain, treatment for C5-C6 disc herniation is initially based on prescription medications along with physical therapy or alternative therapies.

the drug

Usually, the doctor prescribes pain relievers (acetaminophen, aspirin) in tablet form, oral, or topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Stronger pain relievers, such as opioids or corticosteroids, may be prescribed to relieve moderate to severe pain.

Calcium and vitamin D supplements may also be recommended as a preventive measure or to reduce bone degeneration.

alternative therapies

Various alternative therapies are revered by athletes for their effectiveness in back pain, lower back pain and neck pain. Although not supported by solid scientific evidence, the following therapies are sometimes used:

• suction cup
• Acupuncture
• natural products
• grandma's medicine
• essential oil
• etc.

physiotherapy or osteopathy

To correct limited mobility of the neck and improve its stability by relaxing the muscles.

collar recipe

For immobilisation and protection of the neck after acute trauma at the C5-C6 level or after surgery.

Acupressure Therapy

The virtues of acupressure derive primarily from acupuncture. On the other hand, acupressure uses aacupressure matwho exert pressure on the body with their spines, which relaxes the muscles and stimulates the body's energy.

In more advanced cases of the disease, such as B. the occurrence ofvertebral fractureOnly orthopedic (wearing a corset) or surgical (cementoplasty, arthrodesis) treatment can be considered.

For other neck pain relief strategies,see following article.