Anatomy & Body Systems
Vertebrae: Seven cervical vertebrae (C1-C7)
Nerve Roots: Eight cervical nerve roots (C1-C8)
Common Levels:
- C5: Neck, shoulder, upper arm
- C6: Neck, shoulder, thumb side of arm/hand
- C7: Neck, back of arm, middle finger
- C8: Neck, inner arm, ring/little finger
From spinal cord through intervertebral foramen to brachial plexus, then to arm and hand.
Types & Classifications
Disc Herniation:
- Most common cause in younger patients
- Nucleus pulposus protrudes
- Often at C5-C6 or C6-C7
Degenerative:
- Most common in older adults
- Bone spur formation
- Facet joint hypertrophy
Other Causes:
- Tumors
- Infections
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Trauma
Causes & Root Factors
- Disc herniation
- Bone spur formation
- Facet joint arthritis
- Ligamentum flavum hypertrophy
- Foraminal stenosis
Risk Factors
- Age (degeneration)
- Repetitive neck movements
- Smoking
- Previous neck injury
- Driving occupations
Signs & Characteristics
Pain:
- Neck pain radiating to arm
- Sharp, burning, or electric shock
- Worse with neck movement
- coughing/sneezing
Numbness/Tingling:
- In specific dermatome
- Often in thumb/index (C6)
- or middle finger (C7)
Weakness:
- Muscle weakness in myotome
- Grip weakness
- Difficulty with fine motor
Conventional Treatments
- Activity modification
- NSAIDs
- Physical therapy
- Cervical traction
- Steroid injections
- Anterior cervical discectomy
- Foraminotomy
- Disc replacement
Integrative Treatments
- Arnica (trauma)
- Hypericum (nerve pain)
- Colocynthis (nerve compression)
- Nerve tonifying herbs
- Vata-pacifying treatments
- Basti therapy
- Cervical stabilization
- Postural correction
- Nerve gliding
Self Care
- Ergonomic work station
- Neck pillow
- Activity modification
- Gentle exercises
Prevention
- Good posture
- Ergonomic workstation
- Regular exercise
- Neck strengthening
Prognosis
- 80-90% improve without surgery
- 6-12 weeks for recovery
- Good outcomes with treatment
FAQ
Many cases improve spontaneously within weeks. Conservative treatment speeds recovery.
Surgery is typically reserved for progressive weakness, severe pain unresponsive to conservative care, or myelopathy.
Last Updated: 2026-03-10 Healers Clinic - Transformative Integrative Healthcare Contact: +971 56 274 1787