Avoiding Surgery: The Role of Conservative Care in Neck Disc Issues

Not yet recruiting

Conditions: Injury of nerve root of cervical spine,

Registration Number: CTRI/2025/04/085400

Lead Sponsor: Stavya Spine Hospital and Research Institute

Brief Summary: 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.

Detailed Description: Not available

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status: Not Yet Recruiting

Sex: All

Target Recruitment: 200

Inclusion Criteria

1.Age – 18 – 60 years 2.Presence of neck pain and radicular symptoms of a minimum duration of 1 month.
3.Diagnosis of cervical disc prolapse with associated nerve root compression, as confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), corresponding to the clinical presentation of radicular symptoms.

Exclusion Criteria

1.Presence of neurological impairments or clinical evidence of myelopathy.
2.A documented history of prior cervical spine surgery.
3.Individuals demonstrating neurological deficits.
4.Individuals with a history of neuropsychiatric conditions.
5.Individuals with a history of traumatic injury to the cervical spine.
6.Individuals with significant comorbidities that may interfere with treatment outcomes (e.g., severe osteoporosis, malignancies, or systemic inflammatory disorders).

Study & Design

Study Type: Observational

Study Design: Not specified

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
VAS score	Visits at 3 months,6 months and 12 months
Kernofsky performance score	Visits at 3 months,6 months and 12 months
NDI score	Visits at 3 months,6 months and 12 months

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method

Trial Locations

Locations (1): Stavya Spine Hospital & Research Institute
🇮🇳
Ahmadabad, GUJARAT, India
Stavya Spine Hospital & Research Institute
🇮🇳Ahmadabad, GUJARAT, India
Dr Bharat R Dave
Principal investigator
09825019913
brd_172@yahoo.com