Cervical PIVD is a condition where a disc in your neck slips out and presses on nearby nerves. It can cause pain, stiffness, or arm numbness. Early treatment helps avoid surgery. This guide explains symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.
📍 Consult Dr. Ganesh, Neurosurgeon in Bangalore, for spine-related issues.
What Is Cervical Disc Prolapse (PIVD)?
Cervical disc prolapse, also called Neck Cervical PIVD, occurs when one of the discs between the vertebrae in your neck shifts out of its normal position and presses on nearby nerves. This can lead to pain, stiffness, or numbness in the neck, shoulders, or arms.
PIVD stands for Prolapsed Intervertebral Disc — commonly referred to as a “slipped disc” in the neck.
These discs act as cushions between the bones in your spine. When a disc bulges or ruptures, it can compress nerves or the spinal cord, triggering symptoms that range from mild discomfort to severe neurological problems.
Symptoms of Cervical PIVD
Neck Cervical PIVD can cause a range of symptoms depending on how much the disc is pressing on the nerves or spinal cord. These symptoms can appear suddenly or build up over time — and are often mistaken for a pinched nerve or cervical spondylitis.
Look out for the following signs:
Common Symptoms:
ㆍPersistent neck pain, especially on one side
ㆍPain radiating from neck to shoulder, arm, or hand
ㆍNumbness or tingling in the fingers or arms
ㆍWeakness in the arms or hand grip
ㆍDifficulty turning the head or tilting the neck
ㆍHeadaches starting from the back of the neck
ㆍMuscle spasms or stiffness
ㆍIncreased pain after sitting, driving, or looking down
Causes & Risk Factors of Neck Cervical PIVD
Cervical PIVD (Prolapsed Intervertebral Disc in the neck) is commonly caused by disc wear and tear, sudden neck movements, or long-term poor posture. The risk increases with age and lifestyle habits that weaken spinal structures.
Common Causes:
ㆍ Age-related disc degeneration
ㆍ Lifting heavy weights improperly
ㆍSudden neck movement (e.g., whiplash from accidents)
ㆍProlonged sitting with poor posture (IT professionals, drivers)
ㆍWeak neck muscles due to inactivity
ㆍSleeping without neck support
Risk Factors:
ㆍRepetitive neck strain (tech jobs, phone use)
ㆍFamily history of spine issues
ㆍObesity (adds strain to cervical spine)
ㆍSmoking (reduces disc nutrition)
ㆍDiabetes (affects nerve health)
How Is Cervical PIVD Diagnosed?
Diagnosing Neck Cervical PIVD involves a combination of clinical evaluation and imaging tests to accurately identify the location and severity of the disc problem.
1. Clinical Examination
Your doctor will assess:
ㆍNeck movement and range of motion
ㆍMuscle strength and reflexes
ㆍSensory loss or numbness in the arms/hands
ㆍSigns of nerve compression
2. MRI Scan
An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is the most accurate test to visualize:
ㆍBulging or herniated discs
ㆍNerve root compression
ㆍSpinal cord involvement
3. Nerve Conduction Studies / EMG (If needed)
These tests check how well electrical signals travel through your nerves and muscles—useful in cases where symptoms are unclear or widespread.
Want to know what happens during your first neurosurgeon visit?
Click here → First Visit to Neurosurgeon – What to Expect
Treatment Options for Cervical Disc Prolapse (Neck Cervical PIVD)
The treatment for Neck Cervical PIVD depends on the severity of your symptoms and how much the disc is pressing on surrounding nerves. Most cases do not require surgery and respond well to a combination of rest, therapy, and lifestyle changes.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
| Treatment | Description |
|---|---|
| Rest & Medication | Short-term rest with anti-inflammatory medication to reduce pain and swelling |
| Physiotherapy | Posture correction, neck muscle strengthening, cervical traction if needed |
| Collar Support | Temporary use of a cervical collar to limit motion and support healing |
| Injections (if severe) | Epidural steroid injections or nerve blocks to relieve severe nerve pain |
Avoid prolonged cervical collar use without prescription.
Learn more : Cervical Collar Use Guide
Surgical Treatment (Only if Necessary)
In rare cases where non-surgical treatments fail or if symptoms worsen (e.g., muscle weakness, nerve damage), your neurosurgeon may recommend:
ㆍMicrodiscectomy – Removing the herniated part of the disc
ㆍCervical decompression or fusion surgery – To relieve spinal cord or nerve root pressure
✅ Surgery is considered only when pain is disabling or neurological deficits progress.
Dr. Ganesh Veerabhadraiah
Consultant – Neurosurgeon, Neurointerventional Surgery, Spine Surgeon (Neuro)
23+ Years Experience Overall (17+ years as Neuro Specialist)
Available for Consultation: Jayanagar 9th Block & Kauvery Hospital, Electronic City
When Should You See a Doctor for Neck Cervical PIVD?
While mild neck pain may go away with rest, symptoms related to Cervical PIVD should never be ignored—especially if they involve the nerves. Early consultation can prevent permanent nerve damage and reduce the chances of needing surgery.
Consult a Neurosurgeon Immediately If You Have:
ㆍPain radiating from neck to shoulder, arm, or fingers
ㆍNumbness, tingling, or burning sensation in your hands
ㆍWeakness in grip strength or arm movement
ㆍDifficulty holding objects or fine motor tasks
ㆍSymptoms lasting more than 7 days despite rest
ㆍBalance issues or spinal cord compression symptoms
Don’t wait until it worsens. Early diagnosis = Faster recovery.
Book a consultation with Dr. Ganesh, Senior Neurosurgeon at Neurowellness, Bangalore.
FAQs
1. What is cervical PIVD?
Cervical PIVD (Prolapsed Intervertebral Disc) is a condition where a disc in the neck region bulges or herniates, pressing on spinal nerves.
2. How long does cervical disc prolapse take to heal?
With proper treatment, mild to moderate cases heal within 4–6 weeks. Severe or chronic cases may require long-term care.
3. Can cervical PIVD cause arm pain or numbness?
Yes. A prolapsed disc in the neck often presses on nerves that travel down the arm, leading to tingling, pain, or weakness.
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