Spine, Back & Neck
Cervical Disc Herniation
Disc change in the neck, sometimes with arm symptoms.
Also called: Cervical disc bulge, Herniated disc, neck.
A cervical disc herniation can produce neck pain, shoulder-blade pain, or symptoms travelling into the arm. As in the low back, imaging findings are interpreted alongside the examination.
The pattern of which fingers or which part of the arm is involved often points to a specific level in the neck, which helps make sense of what an image is showing.
Why this matters
Sleep position, desk posture and driving are commonly affected, and arm symptoms are usually what prompts the appointment.
Because the arm symptom is often more noticeable than the neck discomfort, people can overlook how much the neck itself needs to be part of the plan.
The brain & nervous-system connection
Where the nervous system fits in
Neck movement, grip strength and sensation are all examined, because the neck supplies both position information and the nerves to the arm.
Monitoring these findings over visits helps confirm whether nerve function is stable or requires a different level of care.
What we look at
We look for patterns, not a single test
- Detailed health history and consultation
- NeuroInfiniti Stress Response Evaluation
- Posture and movement
- Balance and coordination testing
- Eye movement or neurological screening when appropriate
- Grip or motor-function testing when appropriate
- Palpation and spinal function
- Other examination procedures based on the individual
Not every person receives every test. What we perform depends on your history, your age and what the examination shows as we go.
Scope of care
What this does — and doesn't — mean
What we do
- • We evaluate chiropractic and musculoskeletal function.
- • We look at nervous-system-related functional findings that fall within our scope.
- • We assess movement, balance and coordination findings.
- • We measure stress-response patterns with the NeuroInfiniti evaluation.
- • We make individualized chiropractic care recommendations and re-measure over time.
What we don't claim
- • We do not diagnose, treat or cure diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a treatment for dementia, Alzheimer's disease or other neurological diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a replacement for medical care, testing or medication.
- • No outcome is promised. Results vary from person to person.
This is a concern where medical evaluation, imaging or co-management may be the right first step. Dr. Mike Geran will say so plainly if that is what the history and examination suggest.
Common questions
- Will I be adjusted on the first visit?
- Generally no. The first visit is an evaluation visit. Dr. Geran reviews the findings and makes recommendations at the follow-up visit.
- Do I need imaging before I come in?
- Not usually. If your history or examination suggests imaging is needed, we will say so and help arrange the right next step.
When medical evaluation may be needed
Some symptoms need medical evaluation first. If anything in your history or examination suggests that, we will say so and help point you in the right direction.
- Progressive weakness or wasting in the hand or arm
- Symptoms affecting both arms
- Changes in walking or coordination
Related at Foothills Chiropractic
- Joint Pain & Staying Active — Shoulders, hips, knees, ankles — extremity function matters as much as the spine.
- Achilles Tendinopathy — Pain and stiffness in the Achilles tendon, usually load-related.
- Ankle Pain — Pain or restriction at the ankle, often after an old injury.
- Ankle Sprain — Ligament injury from rolling or twisting the ankle.
Think Foothills Chiropractic might be right for you?
Start Here walks you through what the process looks like, so you can decide whether taking the next step makes sense for you.