In a patient with cervical disc prolapse the management includes
(C) Immediate surgery to prevent neurological complications # Cervical disc prolapse the management includes:> Heat and analgesics are soothing but, as with lumbar disc prolapse, there are only three satisfactory ways of treating the prolapse itself.> Rest: A collar will prevent unguarded movement; it may be made of felt, sponge-rubber or plastic. It seldom needs to be worn for more than a week or two.> Reduce: Traction may enlarge the disc space, permitting the prolapse to subside. The head of the couch is raised and weights (up to 8 kg) are tied to a harness fitting under the chin and occiput. Traction is applied intermittently for no more than 30 minutes at a time.> Remove: If symptoms are refractory and severe enough, if there is a progressive neurological deficit or if there are signs of an acute myelopathy then surgery is indicated The disc may be removed through an anterior approach; bone grafts are inserted to fuse the affected area and to restore the normal intervertebral height. If only one level is affected, and there is no bony encroachment on the intervertebral foramen, anterior decompression can be expected to give good long-term relief from radicular symptoms.
Immediate restrictive exercises
Skeletal traction and manipulation
Immediate surgery to prevent neurological complications
Medical management only
Miscellaneous