A cervical disc herniation is a condition affecting the neck, in which the soft central portion called nucleus pulposus bulges through a tear in the outer, fibrous ring causing a compression of the spinal cord or the surrounding nerves, resulting in neck or arm pain. The condition can be caused by the normal aging, or by traumatic injury to the cervical spine. Causes of cervical disc herniation include:
1. Dull or sharp pain in the neck or between the shoulder blades. Pain may be intensified during movement.
2. Pain radiating (spreading) down into the arm, hand or fingers. This is called a radiculopathy.
3. Numbness or tingling in the shoulder or arm.