To evaluate the effectiveness of conservative treatment in patients with cervical disc prolapse.

Neck pain represents a significant global public health concern, with a wide range of etiologies. Among the various causes, cervical prolapsed intervertebral discs are one of the most prevalent contributors. Cervical disc prolapse arises when the nucleus pulposus, the inner gel-like component of the intervertebral disc, herniates and exerts pressure on the cervical spinal cord or nerve roots. This compression can lead to a range of neurological symptoms. The incidence of cervical disc herniation is approximately 1.79 per 1000 individuals per year , with the highest frequency observed in individuals during the fourth or fifth decade of life. Clinically, patients typically present with symptoms such as neck pain, arm pain, and sensory deficits, which often correspond to the dermatome of the affected cervical nerve root(s) .

Although there is a lack of universally accepted diagnostic criteria for cervical radiculopathy , the diagnosis is primarily established through a combination of clinical examination, patient history, and imaging, particularly magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI serves as a valuable diagnostic tool, aiding in the visualization of disc herniation and the extent of nerve root or spinal cord involvement.

Treatment for cervical disc prolapse typically begins with conservative management, which includes pharmacological interventions, physical therapy, immobilization, cervical traction, and epidural steroid injections. In cases where conservative treatment fails to provide relief or in the presence of significant neurological deficits, myelopathy, or radiological evidence of spinal cord injury, surgical intervention may be indicated. Surgical options may include discectomy, fusion, or more advanced procedures, depending on the severity and location of the disc herniation. Further studies are needed to refine diagnostic criteria, optimize conservative treatment protocols, and evaluate long-term outcomes associated with both non-surgical and surgical management.

There is limited literature concerning the duration of conservative therapy for cervical disc prolapse, largely due to the unclear natural history of this condition. In our study, we aim to evaluate the efficacy of conservative treatment in patients diagnosed with cervical disc prolapse.