Neck pain can make simple tasks such as turning the head, driving, working at a desk or sleeping uncomfortable. Some people feel pain only in the neck, while others notice pain spreading into the shoulder, arm or hand. Tingling, numbness and weakness may also occur when a cervical nerve becomes irritated.
A cervical disc herniation can develop after an injury, sudden neck movement, repeated strain or gradual wear within the spine. Symptoms may begin suddenly or build over time. They may also become worse while sitting, lifting, coughing or moving the neck.
When pain does not settle with rest, medication or gentle movement, a medical assessment can help identify the source. During a consultation with Dr. Kourosh, each patient receives a careful neck and nerve examination before treatment is planned. The choice of care depends on the symptoms, affected nerve, scan findings, general health and impact on daily life.
The cervical spine is the upper part of the spine located in the neck. It contains seven bones, known as C1 to C7. Soft discs sit between most of these bones and act as cushions. They also allow the neck to bend, turn and move comfortably.
Each disc has a firm outer layer and a softer centre. A cervical disc herniation happens when part of the soft centre pushes through a weak or damaged area in the outer layer. The displaced disc material may then press against a nearby nerve or, in more serious cases, the spinal cord.
A herniated disc does not always cause pain. Problems usually begin when the disc irritates a nerve or reduces the space around it. Pain may stay in the neck or travel into the shoulder, arm, hand or fingers.
Cervical spine care may involve the assessment and treatment of:
Symptoms depend on the location of the herniated disc and the nerve under pressure.
Common signs include:
Pain from a cervical disc may feel sharp, burning or electric. Some patients also describe a heavy or tired feeling in the arm.
A disc may weaken gradually as it loses moisture and flexibility with age. This makes the outer layer more likely to crack during normal movement or physical strain.
A cervical disc herniation may also follow:
Sometimes, there is no single clear cause. Symptoms may appear after an ordinary movement because the disc has already weakened over time.
Poor posture does not always cause a herniated disc, but long hours with the head bent forwards may increase strain around the neck and shoulders.
The main aim of cervical spine care is to control pain, protect nerve function and help the patient return to normal movement.
Possible benefits include:
Cervical spine care may help people who:
A consultation is also useful when neck pain affects sleep, driving, computer work or household activities.
The consultation starts with a discussion about the pain. Dr. Kourosh may ask when it began, where it travels and which movements make it worse.
Patients should mention tingling, numbness, weakness, headaches, balance problems and previous neck injuries. Information about work, driving, sleep and exercise may also help find movements that place stress on the neck.
Dr. Kourosh checks neck movement, tenderness, posture and muscle strength. The examination may also include shoulder and arm movement, grip strength, reflexes and sensation in the hands.
These checks help identify which nerve may be affected and whether there are signs of spinal cord pressure.
An MRI scan can show the discs, nerves and spinal cord in detail. It may be advised when symptoms continue, weakness develops or the examination suggests nerve compression.
An X-ray may show bone alignment or age-related changes, but it does not show a herniated disc as clearly as an MRI.
Not every patient needs a scan during the first visit. The decision depends on the symptoms, examination and whether the result is likely to change treatment.
After the assessment, Dr. Kourosh explains the likely cause of the symptoms and discusses suitable care.
Treatment may include medication, physiotherapy, movement advice, posture changes or an image-guided injection. Surgery may be discussed if there is severe nerve pressure, increasing weakness, spinal cord compression or pain that does not improve with other treatment.
Many patients begin with non-surgical treatment. The aim is to reduce pain while keeping the neck and shoulder moving safely.
Treatment options may include:
Neck and arm pain can come from several structures, including the discs, joints, muscles and nerves. A careful examination helps identify the correct source before treatment begins.
Patients choose Dr. Kourosh for:
The aim is to ease pain, protect nerve function and help patients return to work, driving, exercise and daily activities safely.
It occurs when the soft centre of a neck disc pushes through its outer layer and may irritate a nearby nerve.
Yes. Nerve pressure may cause pain, tingling or numbness in the shoulder, arm or hand.
No. An MRI is usually advised when symptoms continue or signs of nerve pressure are present.
Yes. Many patients improve with medication, physiotherapy and changes in activity.
Consult a doctor when pain continues, spreads into the arm or causes numbness, weakness or balance problems.
Located in the 2XL Furniture Building, Al shafar Building 7 - No. 101 - Al Wasl Rd - Jumeirah 1 - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Share a few details and our clinic team will contact you to arrange your consultation.
