Cervical Disc Herniation
Table of Contents
What is cervical disc herniation
Cervical disc herniation is a condition in which a disc between the cervical vertebrae protrudes posteriorly or posterolaterally and compresses the spinal cord or nerve root. About 70% of all cervical disc herniations occur at the C5-6 and C6-7 segments. These two segments have the greatest mobility in the cervical spine and are therefore vulnerable to degeneration and injury. In Korean medicine, it is understood within the categories of bi-syndrome (痺證) and neck pain (頸項痛), and is interpreted as stagnation of qi and blood with obstruction of the meridians.
Symptoms by affected segment
- C5-6 herniation (C6 nerve root): Numbness in the thumb and index finger, biceps weakness, and decreased biceps tendon reflex.
- C6-7 herniation (C7 nerve root): Numbness in the middle finger, triceps weakness, and decreased triceps tendon reflex are characteristic.
- Cervical myelopathy: If a central herniation compresses the spinal cord, severe symptoms such as fine motor impairment in both hands and gait disturbance can occur, and immediate detailed evaluation is required.
Korean medicine treatment approach
The vast majority of cervical disc herniations improve with non-surgical conservative treatment. Korean medicine treatment focuses on relieving inflammation around the nerve, relaxing muscles, and promoting natural resorption of the herniated disc.
- Cervical chuna manipulation: Restores alignment of cervical segments and improves mobility of stiff facet joints. Because the cervical region requires delicate manipulation, it is performed by experienced Korean medicine doctors.
- Acupuncture: Needling acupoints on the neck and nape such as Jianjing (GB21), Fengchi (GB20), and Houxi (SI3) increases local blood flow and relieves muscle tension. Combining electroacupuncture further enhances the analgesic effect.
- Pharmacopuncture: Anti-inflammatory pharmacopuncture is administered around the cervical lesion to directly reduce nerve root edema and inflammation.
- Herbal medicine: Modified Galgeun-tang (葛根湯, Pueraria decoction) with Pueraria as the chief herb, or Boyanghwano-tang (補陽還五湯) to assist nerve recovery, is prescribed.
Daily care and prognosis
Avoid prolonged forward-head postures, and perform cervical stretching every 30 minutes. When sleeping, use a low pillow that maintains the natural cervical lordosis. With consistent Korean medicine treatment combined with posture management, most patients experience meaningful improvement within 6–12 weeks.