Cervical Herniated Disc Treatment
in Tulsa, Oklahoma
A herniated disc in the neck can compress nerves, causing pain, numbness, and weakness in the shoulder, arm, and hand. Dr. Bhakta offers targeted non-surgical treatments for cervical disc herniations.
Understanding Cervical Herniated Disc
Each cervical disc is a small cushion between two vertebrae made of a tough outer ring (annulus fibrosus) and a soft gel-like center (nucleus pulposus). A cervical herniated disc occurs when the inner material pushes through a tear in the outer ring. If that displaced material contacts a nearby nerve root or the spinal cord, it can trigger the classic combination of neck pain, shoulder and arm pain, and neurological symptoms known as cervical radiculopathy.
The two levels that herniate most often are C5-C6 and C6-C7, and together they account for the great majority of the cases we see. These levels carry the most load during everyday activities (looking down at a phone, extended computer work, driving long distances) and are also most affected by the gradual disc-height loss that comes with age. Most cervical herniations happen in people between 30 and 50, when the nucleus is still well-hydrated enough to migrate under pressure but the annulus has begun to weaken.
The pattern of symptoms typically points to the level involved. A C6-C7 herniation irritates the C7 root, sending pain down the back of the arm into the middle finger with weakness of elbow extension. A C5-C6 herniation irritates C6 and produces pain along the outer arm into the thumb and index finger. Coexisting cervical spondylosis (age-related bone spurs and disc-height loss) often plays a supporting role, narrowing the foramen so that even a modest herniation produces significant symptoms.
The natural history is generally favorable. Herniated disc material can be gradually reabsorbed by the body over weeks to months, and most patients improve substantially within 6–12 weeks even without surgery. The goal of interventional care is to calm the inflammation, control pain, and protect strength while that natural process runs its course. Surgery is reserved for progressive weakness, signs of spinal cord involvement (myelopathy), or pain that remains severe after a full course of non-surgical treatment.
Symptoms & When to Seek Care
Typical Cervical Herniated Disc Symptoms
- Neck pain with radiation into one shoulder, arm, or hand
- Numbness or tingling in specific fingers matching a nerve root
- Subtle weakness in grip, elbow extension, or wrist movement
- Worsening with neck extension, rotation, or coughing
- Partial relief with the arm elevated on top of the head
- Trouble finding a comfortable sleep position
When to Seek Immediate Care
- Progressive weakness in an arm, hand, or leg
- Difficulty with balance, walking, or fine motor tasks (possible myelopathy)
- New bowel or bladder control changes
- Severe symptoms after trauma, a fall, sports impact, or collision
- Fever, chills, or unexplained weight loss alongside neck and arm pain
These findings are uncommon but benefit from same-day evaluation. If you notice any of them, an emergency department can quickly rule out serious causes so the right care plan can begin.
How Cervical Herniated Disc Is Diagnosed at PDTC
Because what we see on MRI does not always match what is producing pain, Dr. Bhakta pairs careful examination with imaging to confirm which level (and which nerve) is actually driving symptoms.
History & Focused Exam
Dr. Bhakta maps the arm-pain pattern, checks strength in specific muscles, tests reflexes, and performs Spurling's maneuver. These findings are often enough to predict which level is involved before any imaging is ordered, which sharpens the interpretation of the scan.
MRI & Nerve Studies When Needed
MRI identifies the size, location, and direction of the herniation and whether it is contacting the nerve root or the cord. EMG/nerve conduction studies are added when multiple levels appear involved, or when peripheral nerve entrapments like carpal tunnel need to be ruled out.
Tailored Treatment Plan
Once the responsible level is confirmed, Dr. Bhakta builds a plan around it. Options may include a fluoroscopically guided cervical epidural steroid injection, peripheral nerve stimulation for persistent radicular arm pain, or chemical neurolysis for refractory focal pain, paired with posture-focused physical therapy.
Treatment Options at PDTC
Dr. Bhakta creates an individualized plan based on your specific diagnosis and symptoms.
Learn More from Trusted Medical Sources
These links are provided for educational purposes. They do not constitute medical advice. Always consult Dr. Bhakta for personalized treatment recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bhadresh L. Bhakta, M.D.
Board-Certified Interventional Pain Specialist
Fellowship trained in Pain Medicine at Vanderbilt University. Board Certified for decades. Formerly served as Associate Professor at OU School of Medicine. Serving Tulsa since 2000.
Full bio →Related Treatments
Dr. Bhakta may recommend one or more of the following interventional options based on your specific diagnosis and history.