C6-C7 Disc Herniation Symptoms

So, you’re wondering, what does a herniated disc feel like? A herniated disc at the C6-C7 level can cause localized pain in the cervical spine. This pain may be dull and persistent or sharp and stabbing, depending on the severity of the disc damage. 

Movements such as turning the head or lifting objects can aggravate the discomfort, making daily activities more challenging. Left untreated, persistent pain can lead to reduced mobility and chronic discomfort.

Myelopathy occurs when a herniated disc compresses the spinal cord, leading to more serious neurological symptoms. Unlike radiculopathy, which affects nerve roots, myelopathy impacts the spinal cord itself.

Symptoms include:

• Weakness or clumsiness in the hands
• Difficulty with fine motor tasks like buttoning a shirt
• Balance issues
• In severe cases, bladder or bowel dysfunction

Our findings show that radiculopathy occurs when the nerve root is compressed by a herniated disc. This often results in:

• Radiating pain from the neck down the arm and into the hand
• Numbness or tingling
• Weakness in the triceps and wrist extensors

Cervicogenic headaches can also develop. These headaches:

• Are typically one-sided and worsen with neck movement or prolonged postures
• Can extend to the forehead, temples, or behind the eyes
• May be accompanied by neck stiffness, dizziness, or visual disturbances

While most symptoms of a C6-C7 herniated disc involve neck pain and arm discomfort, some individuals experience uncommon symptoms. These can include:

• Chest pain that mimics heart-related issues
• Facial pain or tingling, sometimes misdiagnosed as sinus or dental problems
• Throat tightness or difficulty swallowing due to nerve irritation

Other rare manifestations include:

• Muscle twitching or involuntary contractions in the arm
• Temperature changes in the affected limb (feeling colder or warmer than usual)
• Hypersensitivity to touch in the shoulder, arm, or hand

In severe cases, autonomic dysfunctions like excessive sweating or blood pressure fluctuations may occur.

Based on our observations, cervical disc herniations vary in severity, from minor bulges to complete disc displacement. Understanding these differences helps determine the best course of action for relief.

Bulging Disc

A bulging disc occurs when the outer layer of the intervertebral disc weakens, causing the disc to extend beyond its normal boundaries. As with the symptoms of bulging disc in neck c5-c6, this leads to mild to moderate discomfort in the neck and upper back. 

Unlike more severe forms of herniation, a bulging disc does not involve a full tear in the disc’s outer layer, meaning the inner nucleus remains contained. This form of herniation is less severe than protruded, extruded, or sequestered discs.

Protruded Disc

A protruded disc is where the nucleus pulposus pushes against the weakened outer layer but remains contained within it. 

This condition is often caused by cumulative stress on the spine, including poor posture, repetitive movements, or physical strain.

Extruded Disc

An extruded disc occurs when the inner nucleus breaks through the outer layer of the disc. This type of herniation is more severe than a protruded disc because the disc material extends further into the spinal canal, increasing the risk of nerve irritation. 

Sequestered Disc

A sequestered disc is the most severe form of herniation, occurring when a portion of the disc's nucleus completely breaks free from the main disc structure and enters the spinal canal. This increases the risk of nerve irritation or spinal cord compression.

Our research indicates that trauma is a common cause of C6-C7 disc herniation, resulting from sudden impact or excessive force on the cervical spine. 

Car accidents, falls, or high-impact sports injuries can place immense stress on the intervertebral discs, leading to structural damage. The force can cause the disc to shift out of place, leading to inflammation and irritation of surrounding tissues.

Even minor traumatic incidents can weaken the integrity of the disc over time. Whiplash injuries, for example, can accelerate disc degeneration and increase the risk of herniation. 

In some cases, symptoms may not appear immediately, but progressive inflammation can lead to worsening pain.

The degenerative process follows a distinct sequence: an annular tear occurs when the tough outer layer of the intervertebral disc, known as the annulus fibrosus, develops small cracks or fissures. 

This damage weakens the disc structure, allowing the inner nucleus to push into the forming tear and create a herniation. This causes inflammation, the most prevalent source of discogenic pain.

Most often, the diagnostic process for a C6-C7 herniated disc begins with a thorough assessment of medical history and symptoms. Physicians evaluate neck mobility, muscle strength, and neurological function to determine the extent of the condition. 

Symptoms are analyzed to pinpoint the source of discomfort, what we like to call “pain generators”.

Deuk Spine Institute offers a Virtual Deuk Spine Exam® with 99% diagnostic accuracy. This service allows expert specialists to review MRI scans remotely to identify disc damage, inflammation, and nerve involvement. Submit your free MRI review to get started.

Many nonsurgical treatments for C6-C7 herniated discs focus on symptom management rather than addressing the root cause of pain. 

Physical therapy, chiropractic adjustments, and pain medications may provide temporary relief, but they do not repair the damaged disc. Over time, the herniation can progress, leading to chronic discogenic pain.

Steroid injections are often prescribed to reduce inflammation, but their effects are short-lived. In many cases, patients experience only partial relief, requiring repeated injections that lose effectiveness over time. 

Prolonged use of pain medications, like opioids and NSAIDs, can lead to dependence, gastrointestinal issues, or organ damage. Common side effects include dizziness, nausea, and fatigue from pain medications.

One common surgical procedure for C6-C7 herniated discs is cervical discectomy with artificial disc replacement (ADR). 

While this surgery is intended to preserve motion and relieve symptoms, it does not always guarantee long-term success. The artificial disc may not fully replicate the natural movement of a healthy disc, leading to mechanical issues. Over time, the implant can wear down or fail, necessitating further surgery.

Artificial disc replacement carries several risks, including implant failure and migration. If the artificial disc shifts from its intended position, it can cause nerve irritation, leading to worsening pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms. 

In some cases, the implant may cause abnormal motion, leading to increased stress on surrounding vertebrae and potential new herniations.

Another major risk of ADR is surgical complications, such as infection, excessive bleeding, and nerve damage. Since the procedure involves working near critical spinal structures, there is a risk of spinal cord injury, which could result in permanent neurological deficits.

These side effects highlight the limitations of ADR and the potential for ongoing spinal complications. But there is another, better option.

Deuk Laser Disc Repair is a minimally invasive alternative to artificial disc replacement, designed to treat C6-C7 herniated discs without implanting foreign materials or removing bone.

Instead of replacing the disc, this procedure uses an endoscopic laser to precisely remove only the damaged disc tissue responsible for inflammation. This preserves the healthy parts of the disc, allowing for natural function and movement.

With a high success rate of 95%, this approach provides long-lasting relief while maintaining the spine’s natural mechanics.

Recovery after artificial disc replacement can take several weeks to months, depending on the patient's overall health and the extent of the procedure. Physical therapy is often required to restore strength and flexibility, and in many cases, long-term discomfort persists.

In contrast, recovery after Deuk Laser Disc Repair is significantly faster, with most patients recovering 45 to 60 minutes post-treatment.