How does a herniated disc C5-C6 manifest?

Disc herniation c5 c6 is an organic pathology characterized by migration of the intervertebral disc towards the spinal canal. Hernia c5 c6 means that the protrusion is located between the fifth and sixth cervical vertebrae. Most often this disease affects middle-aged people (from 30 to 50 on average). In older and older people, this disease rarely occurs.

In addition to the personal problems of an individual, a herniated disk c5 c6 of the cervical spine also affects the economy and the standard of living of the state. Delivering a lot of problems in the form of impaired ability to work, such people, not going to work or performing it poorly, bring significant losses to the economic sphere.

The main danger posed by a herniated disc is chronic compression of the cervical spinal cord, which causes the corresponding symptoms.

Anatomical reference

For a good understanding of hernial pathology, it is necessary to present a general picture of the structure of the spinal column in the neck.  

The cervical region consists of seven separate vertebrae that are connected to each other through the intervertebral disc located between them. The vertebrae themselves have small bodies and small processes. This area of ​​the spinal column experiences the least load, unlike the lower back and thoracic region.

However, according to statistics, it is this area that is most exposed to injuries. This phenomenon is explained by the weakness of the cervical muscles, which cannot withstand significant loads, in addition, the cervical vertebrae do not have special strength.

Between the vertebrae there are discs consisting of a hard outer peripheral membrane and an internal soft environment. The outer part is called the annulus fibrosus, the inner part is called the nucleus pulposus. This core consists of a soft gel-like structure.

If the entire disk or part of it is damaged, the retaining elements are disconnected, and some parts of the disk can move in different directions. Most often, the disc is transported towards the spinal canal, where it compresses the nerve endings or the spinal cord itself, causing specific symptoms of damage to the nervous sphere.

Reasons for education

Any factor that directly or indirectly affects the integrity of the intervertebral disc is called the cause of the development of the disease.

So, these factors include:

1. Congenital injuries of the vertebral discs in the cervical region, in which one vertebra may be larger than the other, squeezing and erasing the neighboring area with its mass.
2. Genetic predisposition to weakness of the cervical muscles, ligaments, tendons.
3. Postponed and untreated injuries of the back, spinal column.
4. And excess body weight , provoking an increased load on the intervertebral disc.
5. Postponed surgery.
6. Age : people over 30 have an age predisposition due to involutional changes in connective tissues and bone tissues.
7. Diseases of the musculoskeletal system : osteochondrosis - connective tissue pathology, osteoarthritis - dystrophic damage to articular structures, osteoarthritis - inflammatory processes in the joints.
8. Excessive inadequate load on the back muscles . Due to the impact of a constant load on the body, the pressure on the disk increases, it expands in volume, which prevents high-quality nutrition of the disk structures.
9. Endocrinological pathologies associated with impaired metabolism of mineral substances such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus or fluorine.
10. Sedentary lifestyle , in which the back muscles are in constant calm. Muscles decrease in size, atrophy and their contractility weakens. The muscular corset is reduced.

Stages of formation

A hernia does not form immediately. The intervertebral disc, before becoming a hernia, undergoes a series of organic transformations.

They are concluded in three stages:

1. Cartilage loses its elasticity and becomes hard . Connecting structures no longer absorb the load to the same extent.
2. In the process of deformation, the cartilage tissue gradually protrudes beyond the region of the vertebrae. Already at this stage, the first symptoms appear.
3. Rupture of the fibrous ring with further exit of the central part of the disk - the nucleus pulposus. This is the peak of the development of hernial pathology.

Varieties

There are several classifications of hernia.

The first is based depending on the direction of the protrusion:

• dorsal disc herniation - bulging into the lumen of the spinal canal;
• a hernia located medially - this means that the protrusion is located along the central axis relative to the line of the spinal cord;
• paramedial hernia - bulging surrounds the spinal cord from all sides;
• posterior median hernia - is considered the most dangerous option, characterized by a strict location in the center to the axis of the spinal cord, wedging strongly into it;
• diffuse hernia - a type of pathology, which manifests itself in an uneven exit into the lumen of the spinal canal;
• paramedian disc herniation c5 c6 indicates bilateral spinal cord compression.

Also, hernias differ in their size:

1. From 1 mm to 3 mm - the protrusion is small.
2. 3 mm-8 mm - medium sizes.
3. 9 mm-12 mm - large sizes.
4. 12 mm or more is considered a huge hernia.

Symptoms of disc herniation c5 c6

The clinical picture of the disease has a pronounced symptomatology.

General signs:

• frequent unreasonable headache;
• dizziness;
• noise in ears;
• visual impairment;
• sleep disturbance;
• periodic rise in body temperature;
• increased blood pressure;
• fatigue from simple work;
• irritability and low mood.

These are common, non-specific symptoms inherent in many diseases. Diagnostics based on them is not carried out.

A more significant role is played by specific features:

• pain in the neck, pain when turning the head;
• stiffness in movements, limited movement constantly increases as the hernia grows;
• headaches in the back of the head;
• pain sensations spread to the area of ​​​​the shoulders and arms;
• paresthesia in the shoulder joints, manifested in the form of numbness, tingling;
• violation of tactile, temperature sensitivity;
• intermittent pain between the shoulder blades;
• the muscles of the upper extremities gradually weaken.

 Diagnostics

If you find several symptoms, you should immediately contact a specialist. A hernia is initially treated by a neurologist. Diagnostic measures begin with a general examination.

On it, the attending physician studies:

• the general condition of the patient;
• signs of illness;
• examines the hernia itself, palpates it.

The following is an objective study.

The doctor assesses the following indicators:

• general blood analysis;
• blood chemistry;
• size, location and pain of the hernia;
• condition of tendon reflexes;
• skin sensitivity;
• muscle strength.

To clarify the diagnosis, the doctor prescribes the following procedures:

1. Radiography . This method does not determine a hernia, since it is a soft tissue structure, however, X-ray diagnostics can distinguish a hernia from tumors, vertebral fractures and other bone pathologies.
2. Computed tomography . CT provides a two-dimensional image of soft and hard tissues.
3. Magnetic resonance imaging . MRI is the leading method for diagnosing hernial pathology. The method allows you to evaluate various parameters of the protrusion: size, location, degree of contact with the spinal cord.

Treatment

There are several treatment options:

1. conservative therapy . This includes taking anti-inflammatory, muscle relaxant and painkillers. Also, the attending physician develops a diet.
2. Skeletal traction of the spinal column. The approach helps to reduce pain, improves disk nutrition.
3. Gymnastic exercises . Physical education is aimed at maintaining the tone of the body.
4. Massage and self-massage sessions . They allow you to relax the muscles, which affects their rapid recovery.

Surgical treatment is carried out through two operations: anterior and posterior discectomy.

Modern surgical equipment allows you to treat a hernia without consequences, with minimal intervention. Such treatment not only eliminates the symptoms, but also allows you to eliminate a number of factors that provoke the development of hernia pathology.