Can a cervical disc herniation heal on its own?
Disease description:
Cervical disc herniation is very serious, but I don't want to undergo surgery because it seems too painful. I would like to know whether cervical disc herniation can heal on its own.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Xu Shuai
Cervical disc herniation generally cannot heal on its own. Below are several reasons why cervical disc herniation cannot spontaneously resolve:
1. Pathological mechanism: Cervical disc herniation is caused by degenerative changes in the cervical intervertebral discs, leading to protrusion of the nucleus pulposus and compression of nerve roots or the spinal cord. The herniated disc tissue rarely retracts spontaneously to its original position.
2. Contributing factors: The occurrence of cervical disc herniation is associated with不良生活习惯 (unhealthy lifestyle habits), trauma, and other factors. These factors are not easily eliminated naturally, making spontaneous recovery of the herniated disc difficult.
Although cervical disc herniation cannot heal on its own, the condition can be improved through various treatment methods, such as physical therapies including cervical traction, cervical immobilization, and physiotherapy, as well as medication and surgical treatment.
