Can A Slipped Disc Cause Chronic Headaches? Treatment And Surgical Options

Slipped Out Of Place

Slipped discs are a common spinal condition in men and women. Up to 20 out of every 1,000 Americans will get a slipped disc. The spine is made up of bones called vertebrae that start from the neck and extend down to the lower back. Between the vertebrae are fibrous discs that help with shock absorption and flexibility. Due to injury or wear and tear, these discs can slip out of place, applying pressure on surrounding nerves. While the condition is usually linked to back pain, there are instances where a slipped disc can cause chronic headaches.

Not quite a migraine

There are 6 vertebrae in the neck that help keep the head secure. A slipped cervical disc often causes arm and shoulder pain. However, the condition can also press on nerves that cause chronic headaches. These headaches are often confused with migraines but are actually called cervicogenic headaches.

Symptoms of chronic headaches

The symptoms can easily present as migraine symptoms. Persons with slipped disc headaches often report pain on one side of the head. Other symptoms include difficulty moving the neck without pain and eye pain. Once a doctor accurately diagnoses a slipped cervical disc, steps can be taken to treat the issue.

Pain management through rest and medication

If there is no severe herniation, the first treatment steps are conservative. The doctor will prescribe rest and medication. The medication comes in the form of over-the-counter painkillers. NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can also help.

Stepping up pain management

If the medication fails to bring relief, there are more aggressive options. Oral steroid medication can reduce headache symptoms and neck pain. Epidural spinal injections are another option. Using a simple procedure, the doctor injects a steroid in the problem area. The dose can provide relief for 3 months or longer.

Let’s get physical

Coupled with steroid injections, doctors may also recommend a physical therapy program. Frequent visits to a physical therapist can help improve strength and flexibility. Over time, the patient can perform exercises without assistance, bringing long-term relief. If all else fails, surgery may be the next best option.

ACDF surgery

In severe cases, a surgeon may need to perform ACDF surgery. ACDF is a minimally invasive process that fuses 2 cervical vertebrae. The surgeon makes incisions through the front of the neck. The damaged part is removed and replaced with a bone graft. The surgeon then uses a plate to hold the bones in place. Over time the bones grow and fuse, strengthening the neck. This procedure also clears up the pressure on the surrounding nerves.

Other possible surgical procedures

Instead of ACDF surgery, the surgeon may decide to replace the entire disc. In most cases, the surgeon will complete the replacement from an incision in the front of the neck. Sometimes, the procedure makes more sense from the back of the neck. A posterior cervical fusion gets the same result as ACDF. All surgical procedures seek to reduce headaches. Speak with the surgeon about the success rate and any side effects.

Get a clear head today

Chronic headaches are often the result of migraines. In some cases, a slipped disc can be the issue. Speak with a doctor about checking for a slipped disc. From there, treatment, including medication, therapy, or surgery, can help with a clear head.