How Is C6/c7 Herniated Disc Treated?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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In most cases cervical disc herniations improve with time and symptomatic treatment. This can take 6-12 weeks. Improvement is usually seen within 2-3 weeks and full recovery in the ensuing

2-3 months

.

How long does it take for a herniated cervical disc to heal?

In most cases cervical disc herniations improve with time and symptomatic treatment. This can take 6-12 weeks. Improvement is usually seen within 2-3 weeks and full recovery in the ensuing

2-3 months

.

How long does it take for C6 and C7 to heal?

Full recovery takes

around two to three months

. You are likely to be put forward for physical rehabilitation therapy as well.

What is the best treatment for herniated discs in neck?

Treatment with

rest, pain medication, spinal injections, and physical therapy

is the first step to recovery. Most people improve in 6 weeks and return to normal activity. If symptoms continue, surgery may be recommended.

What nerves are affected by C6 and C7?

From the lateral cord, C5, C6, and C7 supply the pectoralis major and minor muscles, via the lateral and medial pectoral nerves, as well as the coracobrachialis, brachialis and biceps brachii, via the

musculocutaneous nerve

. The musculocutaneous nerve provides sensation to the skin of the lateral forearm.

Can a herniated disc in neck get worse?

When cervical radiculopathy is caused by a herniated disc, the

pain can be even worse

than when it is caused by a cervical osteophytes (bone spur) or bony overgrowth.

Can you make a herniated disc worse?

Can you make a herniated disc worse?

The pain from a herniated disc usually is worse when you are active and gets better when you are resting

. Coughing, sneezing, sitting, driving, and bending forward may make the pain worse.

How do you sleep with a herniated C6-C7?

If you can commit to a more drastic change, the best sleeping position for your herniated disc pain may be

your back

. Sleeping on your back helps keep the spine in neutral alignment. If your pain is still relatively intense, try placing a pillow under your knees and low back for added comfort.

What does the C6/C7 nerve control?

The C6-C7 Nerve Root

This nerve root controls

both muscle and skin in the arm via its sensory and motor roots

. Some basic actions like stretching the fingers, contracting the triceps, and moving the elbow and wrists are controlled by the C7 motor roots.

What happens after C6/C7 surgery?

After surgery, you can expect your

neck to feel stiff and sore

. This should improve in the weeks after surgery. You may have trouble sitting or standing in one position for very long and may need pain medicine in the weeks after your surgery. You may need to wear a neck brace for a while.

What should you not do with a herniated disc in your neck?

If a disc is pressing on the nerve in your neck and producing symptoms of neck pain with arm pain, numbness, tingling and weakness then the most important thing to do is

avoid all high impact and high velocity activities involving the neck

, such as jogging, basketball, football, jumping, high-impact aerobics.

How do they fix a herniated disc in the neck?


ACDF surgery

is the most common method among spine surgeons for treating a cervical herniated disc. In this surgery, the disc is removed through a small one-inch incision in the front of the neck. After removing the disc, the disc space itself is set up for the adjacent vertebrae to eventually grow together and fuse.

Can a chiropractor fix a herniated disc in neck?

To treat a herniated disc, your chiropractor will develop a treatment plan that may include

spinal manipulation

—also known as adjustments—and other chiropractic techniques to help ease your herniated disc symptoms.

How do you fix a pinched nerve C7?

  1. rest.
  2. soft cervical collar.
  3. hot or cold compress.
  4. practicing good posture.
  5. nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  6. acupuncture.
  7. massage.
  8. yoga.

What causes C7 to stick out?

The vertebra located at the base of your neck, the cervical C7 vertebrae is also called the first thoracic vertebrae. It’s the one that feels like it sticks out when

you run your hand down the back of your neck

. It’s directly associated, when out of alignment, with issues like shoulder and elbow bursitis.

What are the symptoms of a pinched nerve at C6?

C5-C6 (C6 nerve root):

Pain, tingling, and/or numbness may be felt in the thumb side of the hand

. Weakness may also be experienced in the biceps (muscles in the front of the upper arms) and wrist extensor muscles in the forearms.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.