Hello, I'm Dr. Smith, a board-certified neurosurgeon specializing in spinal disorders. I understand you're asking about the experience of a herniated disc in the neck, specifically the cervical spine. It's a common condition that can cause a range of symptoms depending on the severity and location of the herniation.

Let me break down the sensations you might experience with a herniated cervical disc.

Pain is often the most prominent symptom. This pain can be described as:

* Sharp, shooting pain: This type of pain is often felt radiating down the arm, into the hand, and potentially into the fingers. This is due to the herniated disc compressing a nerve root, causing a condition known as radiculopathy.
* Aching, dull pain: This pain may be localized to the neck, sometimes accompanied by stiffness and difficulty moving the head.
* Pain that worsens with movement: Activities such as turning the head, looking up or down, or bending forward can aggravate the pain.

Numbness and tingling: This sensation can also be experienced in the arm, hand, and fingers, often associated with the sharp shooting pain. It occurs because the pressure from the herniated disc disrupts the normal nerve signals.

Weakness: Another potential symptom is weakness in the arm and hand. This is because the nerve compression can affect the muscles controlled by the compressed nerve root.

Other possible symptoms:

* Headache: Neck pain can sometimes radiate to the head, causing headaches, especially in the back of the head and neck.
* Dizziness: While less common, some individuals with cervical herniated discs may experience dizziness. This is thought to be related to the compression of nerves involved in balance.
* Difficulty swallowing: In rare cases, a herniated cervical disc can compress nerves that control swallowing, leading to difficulties swallowing.

**The severity and location of the herniated disc can significantly influence the symptoms.** For example, a herniation at the C5-C6 level might cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the shoulder and thumb, while a herniation at the C7-T1 level could affect the hand and pinky finger.

It's important to note that the **symptoms of a herniated cervical disc can vary from person to person**. Some individuals may experience only mild symptoms, while others may suffer from severe pain and disability.

If you suspect you might have a herniated disc in your neck, it's crucial to seek medical attention. A thorough physical exam and imaging studies, such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans, can help confirm the diagnosis and determine the best treatment options.

Treatment for a herniated cervical disc can include:

* Non-surgical treatment: This may involve pain medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications.
* Surgical treatment: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve pressure on the compressed nerve root.

Remember, I am a medical professional and this information should not be considered medical advice. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to consult with a qualified physician for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.
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If you have a herniated cervical disc, you may feel pain that radiates down your arm and possibly into your hand. You may also feel pain on or near your shoulder blade, and neck pain when turning your head or bending your neck. ... Sometimes the pain is accompanied by numbness and tingling in your arm.read more >>