what is the treatment for a c4-5: broad-based concentric bulging disc

Let’s discuss some of the most common treatment options available for healing a C4 C5 bulging disc. Most doctors will recommend medications (usually a combination of pain relievers and muscle relaxers), pain injections (such as cortisone or epidurals), physical therapy, and surgery (as a last resort).

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What are the symptoms of C4 C5?

Symptoms of a spinal cord injury corresponding to C5 vertebrae include:

• Retaining the ability to speak and breathe without assistance, though respiration may be weak
• Paralysis in the torso, legs, wrists, and hands
• Paralysis may be experienced on one or both sides of the body
• Patients may be able to raise their arms and/or bend their elbows

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What is posterior subluxation of C4 on c5?

Subluxation of C4/C5 cervical vertebrae, initial encounter. S13.150A is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. The 2022 edition of ICD-10-CM S13.150A became effective on October 1, 2021.

What is anterolisthesis of C4 on c5?

Anterolisthesis is mainly caused by great impact on the spinal cord( anterolisthesis cervical spine or spondylosis) or the vertebra mainly the c4 and c5 ( anterolisthesis c4 c5) . It could be due to falls from high heights, bullet wounds, impact from vehicle collisions, injury from sporting activities, and such related events.

What causes the posterior bulging at C3 and C4?

Thecal Sac Impingement

• Causes and Symptoms of Thecal Sac Impingement. A bulging disc, osteophytes, or osteoarthritis can lead to impingement, or something pressing on another structure.
• Treatments. Pain medication cannot cure disc impingements and herniation. ...
• References: Learn more about spinal stenosis.

How do you treat a bulging disc C4 C5?

C4-C5 Disc Herniation Treatment & Recovery Time One of the most common non-surgical means of herniated disc treatment is cervical traction. Traction is a pain-relieving technique that involves stretching and realigning the spine. A therapist can do the stretch manually or with the use of spinal traction equipment.

What is broad based disc bulge mean?

By strict definition, a broad-based herniation involves between 25 and 50% of the disc circumference. A focal herniation involves less than 25% of the disc circumference. Herniated discs may take the form of protrusion or extrusion based on the shape of the displaced or herniated material.

What nerves are affected by C4 C5?

Roots. The C4 and C5 roots give rise to the dorsal scapular nerve that supplies the rhomboids and levator scapulae. ... Trunks. From the upper trunk C5 and C6 give rise to the nerve to the subclavius, and the suprascapular nerve, that supply the subclavius muscle, and the supra- and infraspinatus muscles, respectively.Cords.

What is the best treatment for a bulging disc in the neck?

Treatment options Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen are the first-line prescription medications for a bulging disc. For more severe pain, your doctor may prescribe a muscle relaxer or narcotic pain reliever. Physical therapy (PT) may relieve pressure on the nerve.

Is broad based disc bulge painful?

A disc bulge might be associated with pain but this will depend a number of things such as if a sudden tear has occurred, if there is inflammation, if the bulge combines with other components to narrow spaces for nerves, if there is damage to the 'endplates' that are on the top and bottom of the disc etc.

Is a 5 mm disc herniation large?

From our study results, the patients with disc herniation length of L4–5 larger than 6.31 mm could be considered as candidates for surgical treatment, whereas those with disc herniation length less than 6.23 mm could be treated with nerve blocks.

What are the symptoms of a pinched nerve at C4-C5?

C4-C5 Pinched Nerve: The C5 nerve root is responsible for the deltoid muscle which sits on top of the shoulder, outside of the upper arm. A pinched nerve at the C4-5 level would cause shoulder pain and possibly weakness of the deltoid muscle.

What does C4 and C5 control?

1. The C4 dermatome covers parts of the neck, shoulders, and upper part of arms. 2. C5 helps control the deltoids (which form the rounded contours of the shoulders) and the biceps (which allow bending of the elbow and rotation of the forearm). 1.

What are the symptoms of a C4-C5 disc herniation?

The signs and symptoms caused by a cervical herniated disc can vary depending on which nerve root is compressed. For example: C4-C5 (C5 nerve root): Pain, tingling, and/or numbness may radiate into the shoulder. Weakness may also be felt in the shoulder (deltoid muscle) and other muscles.

Is surgery necessary for bulging disc in neck?

If you or a loved one is experiencing neck pain and/or arm pain, numbness, or weakness, surgical treatment such as cervical herniated disc surgery may be appropriate for your condition.

How serious is a bulging disc?

A bulging disk can push against the spinal cord and nerve roots, leading to severe pain and problems with mobility. Treatment may include a combination of medication, physical therapy, and self-care. In severe cases, a person may need surgery.

How do you fix a bulging disc without surgery?

The good news is that the vast majority of herniated discs can be treated without surgery using manual therapy and exercise or with IDD Therapy disc treatment. It is only a small percentage of cases which go on to have surgery.

What is the best treatment for a bulging disc?

Minimally Invasive treatments are becoming more common and endoscopic spine surgery might be an option in relieving the pain. Surgeons can utilize minor surgical techniques in order to correct bulging disc problems.

How to stop bulging discs?

A patient should change body positioning and behaviors (sleeping, sitting and posture positions) first to help reduce any bulging disc symptoms or pain caused by the affected disc. Addressing causal factors may help to slow the worsening of the condition.

What causes a bulging disc?

Potential Causes for a Bulging Disc 1 People who have led a sedentary lifestyle or those who smoke increase the chances for bulging disc. 2 Continuous strain on the disc from injury or heavy lifting and strain can wear them down throughout the years. 3 Weakened back muscles can accelerate the process and may lead to a sudden herniation of the weakened disc. 4 Although bulging discs occur over time, herniated discs may occur quickly by trauma. 5 Bad posture including improper body positioning during sleep, sitting, standing or exercise are all risk factors which may contribute to the development of a bulging disc. 6 Obesity 7 High contact sports or activities are also risk factors. 8 Runners who fail to use shoes that provide orthopedic support may also develop bulging discs. 9 Activities that place stress and strain on the spine can lead to the weakening of the discs.

What does it mean when your disc is bulging?

In most cases, when a bulging disc has reached this stage it is near or at herniation. Tingling or pain in the fingers, hands, arms, neck or shoulders. This could indicate a bulging disc in the cervical area. Pain in the feet, thighs, lower spine and buttocks. This is the most common symptom and could indicate an issue in the lumbar region.

Why do my discs bulge?

Although bulging discs occur over time, herniated discs may occur quickly by trauma. Bad posture including improper body positioning during sleep, sitting, standing or exercise are all risk factors which may contribute to the development of a bulging disc. Obesity. High contact sports or activities are also risk factors.

How to help a herniated disc?

A healthy weight reduction plan and exercise can be used to help obese patients. In some cases, a doctor may recommend physical therapy to strengthen muscles in the back and to regain any lost mobility. Before herniation, many of the non-surgical treatments are successful in managing bulging discs.

What happens when a disc balloons?

Movement or slipping of the disc from its normal positioning results in an outward swelling of the fluid material throughout the weakest point of the shell of the disc. In many cases, the disc balloons in between spaces in the vertebrae. This process happens over an extended period.

How to heal a bulging disc?

The most important thing is to give the bulging disc the opportunity to heal by: Changing the movements and habits that put unhealthy loads through the disc. Building strength in the appropriate muscles to give the disc the support it needs. Written by Dr. Jeremy James.

How to tell if a disc is bulging?

A bulging disc can be diagnosed by a thorough evaluation by a health care professional and also by imaging such as an MRI. Symptom patterns common to bulging discs include pain with forward bending, pain with coughing, sneezing or bowel movements, and pain with prolonged sitting. The pain can occur in the back, ...

How long does it take for a bulging disc to heal?

With proper exercise and healthy spine habits, a bulging disc rarely requires surgery. In fact, it can typically be treated at home and can usually heal on its own within 6 to 12 months. The most important thing is to give the bulging disc the opportunity to heal by: 1 Changing the movements and habits that put unhealthy loads through the disc. 2 Building strength in the appropriate muscles to give the disc the support it needs.

What is the difference between a disc and a donut?

Each disc is like a jelly-filled donut, with a gelatinous inner layer and firm outer layer. Typically, pressure created by everyday activities like walking, bending, sitting, and lifting is distributed evenly across discs. But bad posture, repetitive movements, and a lack of strength in the muscles that support the spine can cause unhealthy ...

What causes a disc to be uneven?

The weight that is usually distributed evenly through the disc by daily activities (walking, sitting, and bending over) is now distributed in an uneven pattern, putting unhealthy pressure on the affected disc and the surrounding discs, joints, and ligaments. Eventually this pressure causes problems which can result in pain.

What happens when the pressure gets too great in one part of the disc?

When the pressure gets too great in one part of the disc, the inner liquid can push into the outer layer causing a “bulge” to form— this is referred to as a bulging disc. When pressure and the bulge become extreme, the outer layer tears and the inner liquid spills out, resulting in a disc herniation —a herniated disc is a potentially much more ...

Why does my disc hurt?

Pain and/or dysfunction can be caused in four general ways: If the other structures around the disc become overloaded because the damaged disc in unable to absorb shocks, they wear down and become inflamed, resulting in arthritis .

Is there a non surgical treatment for a bulging disc?

Non-Surgical Treatment Options. Alternative Treatments for a Bulging Disc. Although no single treatment plan is right for every patient, there are some bulging disc treatment guidelines that are often effective in relieving symptoms. While a bulging disc is not necessarily painful, nerve compression can result if displaced disc material causes ...

Can a bulging disc cause neck pain?

Upon diagnosing a bulging disc as the source of neck pain, back pain or radiating pain in the extremities, doctors will usually begin with a course of conservative treatments. Since a bulging disc can improve with time, initial treatment is generally aimed at pain management while the progress of the condition is monitored.

Can a bulging disc be treated?

For many patients, these options are enough to help control bulging disc symptoms. Most doctors view surgery to treat a bulging disc as a last resort because it is such an invasive process, requiring a large muscle-tearing incision, overnight hospitalization and a long recovery period.

Addressing symptoms through conservative means

When we say “conservative” therapies, we mean treatment approaches that do not involve surgery. The majority of people who have broad based disc extrusions are able to manage their symptoms effectively through a carefully maintained regimen of conservative treatment measures. Some of the more commonly recommended treatment measures include:

When surgery may be an option

Broad based disc protrusions can often be managed using the aforementioned methods, but sometimes the pain and other symptoms continue or even worsen over weeks or months of conservative therapy. For that reason, some people look for a surgical solution.

Available surgical approaches

Although many specific procedures can be performed to help patients with disc protrusion, they can be separated into two categories — traditional, open spine surgery and minimally invasive spine surgery.

Where is the C4 vertebra located?

The C4 vertebra is located in the neck region of the spinal column, just above the thoracic vertebrae.

What is the C5 vertebra?

The C5 spinal vertebra is the fifth vertebra from the top of the column. The C5 vertebra is significant for determining the severity of neck and spinal injury. If the injury is at or above the C5 vertebra, the person may be unable to breathe since the spinal cord nerves located between the third and fifth cervical vertebrae control respiration.

What causes cervical vertebrae injury?

What Causes Cervical Spinal Cord Injuries? The most common causes of cervical vertebrae injury and spinal cord damage include a spinal fracture from diving accidents and sports, as well as medical complications.

How many vertebrae are there in the cervical spine?

There are seven vertebral levels in total in this region, known as C1-C7. These vertebrae protect the spinal cord running through the cervical region of the spine, as well as provide support for the neck and head. The C3, C4, & C5 vertebrae form the midsection of the cervical spine.

What is the most severe spinal cord injury?

A cervical vertebrae injury is the most severe of all spinal cord injuries because the higher up in the spine an injury occurs, the more damage that is caused to the central nervous system. Depending on the severity of the damage to the spinal cord, the injury may be noted as complete or incomplete.

How long does it take to breathe with a C4 vertebrae?

Patients with C4 spinal cord injuries typically need 24 hour-a-day support to breathe and maintain oxygen levels. Symptoms of a spinal cord injury corresponding to C4 vertebrae include: Loss of diaphragm function. Potential requirement of a ventilator for breathing. Limited range of motion.

Which vertebrae form the midsection of the cervical spine?

The C3, C4, & C5 vertebrae form the midsection of the cervical spine. C3 - C5 cervical vertebrae injuries tend to be severe because the central nervous system is more damaged.

What nerve is bulging in the lower back?

Symptoms are specific to the level of the bulge. An L4/5 bulging disc puts pressure on your L5 nerve — one of the most common levels where this condition occurs. Bulging of this disc, located in your lower back, causes a variety of problematic symptoms.”.

Does L4 L5 cause pain?

L4-L5 bulging disc treatments for pain. Bulging discs are a common occurrence and sometimes carry no symptoms; but, for many, the pain is extreme and requires immediate attention.

Can a L4-L5 disc bulge cause back pain?

Most importantly, an L4-L5 disc bulge can lead to prolonged pain and other, more serious conditions like spondylolisthesis if you delay treatment. Spondylolisthesis is a condition in which a vertebra shifts or slips, and can cause significant pain that may require surgery to fix.

What happens if your C5 C6 disc is bulging?

If the C5-C6 disc of the cervical spine is bulging, the neck’s natural curve is compromised and introduces adverse spinal tension and pressure on the nerve roots located next to the spine. Those suffering from bulging discs can experience the condition differently, but there are some common symptoms to look out for that can help lead ...

Why do my intervertebral discs bulge out?

When a spine is in a natural and healthy straight alignment, the intervertebral discs can carry and distribute weight evenly. When a spine faces an unnatural curve, such as those caused by scoliosis or chronic bad posture, the intervertebral discs are the victims of disproportionate pressure, causing them to bulge out the sides.

What happens when the spine curves are compromised?

Thinking of the spine as a continual fluctuating curve, you can see how if one of these curves are compromised, it would have an effect throughout the entire spine. When the spine’s healthy curves are lost, the body responds by putting in bad curves. If the C5-C6 disc of the cervical spine is bulging, the neck’s natural curve is compromised ...

What is the role of intervertebral discs?

The role of the intervertebral discs is to provide cushioning between the individual vertebra of the spine, to help evenly distribute force throughout the spine, and to facilitate spinal flexibility. When the C5-C6 disc is compromised, so too is the natural and healthy cervical curvature. The spine is made up of three natural and healthy curves.

How many curves does the spine have?

You might not have thought about it, but it’s a good question to ask. The spine has three healthy curves, and these curves work together to make the spine as strong and flexible as possible. Starting from the top down, the spine’s upper back comprises the cervical curve with a soft inward curve at the neck.

What are the two ways to treat a medical condition?

With any medical condition, there are two treatment paths: one is to address and treat symptoms of the condition, and the other is to address and treat the condition’s underlying cause. I’m sure you can guess which approach I’m in favor of.

Which vertebrae support the majority of the weight from both the neck and the head?

Often referred to as the ‘stress vertebrae’, the C5 and C6 spinal segments have a big job: they support the majority of the weight from both the neck and the head.

What is the best treatment for a bulging disc?

Medical treatment may include: Medication. Physical therapy. Steroid pills or injections. Disc surgery (discectomy) Spinal fusion surgery.

How to treat a bulging disc?

Physical therapy can also be used to treat the symptoms of a bulging disc, but it can be painful and uncomfortable. Massage, heat, ultrasound or electric stimulation can be used by a PT to relieve pain. As a last resort, doctors may recommend spinal fusion.

How many patients with AIS have herniated discs?

In fact, in a study of 152 patients with painful AIS, 32 had a herniated nucleus pulposus (inner core of the vertebral disc). This means that 21% of patients with painful AIS also had a herniated disc.

Why does the cervical spine curve?

Because the nerve roots in this area of the spine primarily control sensations in your arms and hands, this is where the symptoms are most likely to occur.”. In the proper position, the cervical spine has a natural curve at the top.

What are the symptoms of a C5 C6 disc?

A C5 C6 bulging disc may lead to: Pain in the neck, arms, hands or shoulders. Pins and needles or numbness in the neck, arms, hands, or shoulders. Muscle spasms or weakness.

What is C5 C6 pain?

Pain associated with C5 C6 disc bulging can be experienced as a result of disc pain or nerve root pain. Nerve root pain and the associated symptoms are known as radiculopathy. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, “Cervical radiculopathy describes a compressed nerve root in the neck (cervical spine). Because the nerve roots in this area of the spine ...

What is C5 C6 disc bulging?

C5 C6 Disc Bulging: All You Need to Know. The spinal cord serves as the communication point of the body’s central nervous system by carrying signals from the brain to the peripheral nerves. When disc problems such as C5 C6 disc bulging occur in the cervical spine, it can create pressure on the nerve roots next to the spinal cord, ...

Function

Structure

Causes

Clinical significance

Symptoms

Treatment

• Lets discuss some of the most common treatment options available for healing a C4 C5 bulging disc. Most doctors will recommend medications (usually a combination of pain relievers and muscle relaxers), pain injections (such as cortisone or epidurals), physical therapy, and surgery (…

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