Does a cervical disc herniation always need surgery?

In most cases we try non-surgical treatment first. Medication, injections and manual therapy often reduce the symptoms. Surgery is considered when arm numbness or weakness is progressing, or when non-surgical treatment brings no improvement. Even then we first look at approaches with a smaller incision, such as biportal cervical endoscopy or an artificial disc.

My neck hurts and my arm is numb — which tests will I have?

We start with an interview and physical examination to map where the numbness is and whether there is muscle weakness. An X-ray shows cervical alignment and the state of the bone; if nerve compression is suspected, an MRI shows the disc and the nerve. MRI and CT are in the main building, so imaging and reading are done on site.

Does forward head posture need treatment?

It means the normal curve of the neck has flattened. At first it is only stiffness and tight shoulders, but left alone it puts more load on the discs. We check the alignment, then combine manual and physical therapy with posture and strength correction.

Spine Center

Spine center

Neck

Cervical spine

목디스크, 경추관협착증 등 목에서 시작되는 통증과 저림을 진단합니다.

척추 질환은 뼈뿐 아니라 디스크와 신경이 함께 얽혀 있어 정확한 진단이 중요합니다. 척추센터는 정형외과·신경외과·영상의학과·마취통증의학과가 협진해 통증의 원인을 정밀하게 확인합니다.

Neck conditions

Tap a condition to read more below

목 질환

목디스크란, 경추 뼈와 뼈 사이의 추간판이 탈출하거나 파열돼 경추신경이 압박을 받아 목과 어깨에 통증이 일어나는 질환입니다.

압박된 신경에 염증이 생기면 뒷목과 어깨 윗부분의 통증, 팔·손의 저림으로 이어집니다. 오래 두면 손의 힘이 떨어지거나 젓가락질·단추 잠그기처럼 섬세한 동작이 어려워질 수 있습니다.

Pain in the back of the neck and shoulder
Numbness in the arm and hand
Weakness in the hand

Causes

Holding tension in the neck · Injury in sport or a traffic accident · Using an unsuitable pillow · 컴퓨터 및 스마트폰 사용 시 자세가 올바르지 않은 경우

How it is diagnosed

History and physical examination — The specialist takes your symptoms, medical history and daily habits, then examines you to reach a diagnosis.

X-ray — X-rays pass through the body and the differences in shadow they leave are used for diagnosis.

Ultrasound — Ultrasound uses no radiation and is quick and painless, which makes it easy on patients.

MRI — High-resolution imaging of what X-ray cannot show: soft tissue, muscle, ligament and cartilage, along with nerves and vessels.

비수술 · 시술 치료

Cervical disc herniation

Manual and exercise therapy
A physiotherapist uses release techniques and joint mobilisation, guided by anatomy, to reduce pain and restore function.
Nerve block
A non-surgical pain treatment: under live imaging, medication is injected around the nerve causing the pain to settle inflammation and swelling.
Cervical epidural neuroplasty (C-PEN)
Epidural neuroplasty treats pain without surgery by delivering medication to the nerve affected by a disc or stenosis. Depending on the observation time, the procedure and discharge can happen on the same day.

Surgical treatment

Decided after consultation

Neck FAQ

Does a cervical disc herniation always need surgery?: In most cases we try non-surgical treatment first. Medication, injections and manual therapy often reduce the symptoms. Surgery is considered when arm numbness or weakness is progressing, or when non-surgical treatment brings no improvement. Even then we first look at approaches with a smaller incision, such as biportal cervical endoscopy or an artificial disc.
My neck hurts and my arm is numb — which tests will I have?: We start with an interview and physical examination to map where the numbness is and whether there is muscle weakness. An X-ray shows cervical alignment and the state of the bone; if nerve compression is suspected, an MRI shows the disc and the nerve. MRI and CT are in the main building, so imaging and reading are done on site.
Does forward head posture need treatment?: It means the normal curve of the neck has flattened. At first it is only stiffness and tight shoulders, but left alone it puts more load on the discs. We check the alignment, then combine manual and physical therapy with posture and strength correction.

Spine Center care pathway

Consultation and history

We check the pattern of pain and whether there is numbness or weakness.

Precise imaging

MRI and CT show the state of the disc and nerves.

Treatment plan

We set a direction centred on non-surgical treatment.

Treatment and rehabilitation

Posture and strength rehabilitation afterwards helps prevent recurrence.

Booking and inquiries