What Is Cervical Disc Herniation (Disc Hernia)?
Question: How common is neck pain?
Answer: According to epidemiological studies, approximately 30–40% of people experience clinically significant neck pain at least once in their lifetime.
Question: Does neck stiffness always mean a herniated disc?
Answer: No. Neck stiffness may result from:
- Muscle strain
- Postural disorder
- Stress and sleep positions
- Early cervical disc herniation and many other causes.
“Neck pain may also be related to shoulder joint disorders, some heart diseases, or psychological conditions. Therefore, evaluation should be based not only on imaging but also on physical examination.”
Question: What does cervical disc herniation mean?
Answer: Cervical disc herniation is compression of nerve roots due to bulging or tearing of the disc between vertebrae.
Medical terms:
- Cervical disc herniation
- Cervical radiculopathy
- Disc protrusion / bulging
Question: Why does cervical disc herniation occur?
Answer: The most common causes:
- Long-term computer/vehicle use
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Poor ergonomics
- Smoking
- Age-related disc degeneration
“Disc degeneration can be detected on imaging in more than approximately 60% of the population after their 30s.”