A Cervical Disc Posterolateral Extrusion is a specific type of herniated disc in the neck where the soft inner core (nucleus pulposus) pushes through a tear in the tough outer ring (annulus fibrosus) and extends into the spinal canal toward the back and side (posterolateral area). Unlike a simple bulge or protrusion, an extrusion features disc material whose “dome” is wider than its “neck” and may migrate above or below the original disc space RadiopaediaBEST Health System.
Anatomy
Structure & Location
Intervertebral discs sit between each pair of cervical vertebrae (C1–C7), most commonly herniating at C5–C6 or C6–C7. Each disc has two main parts:
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Annulus Fibrosus: Tough, fibrous outer ring.
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Nucleus Pulposus: Gel-like center that absorbs shock. Wikipedia
Attachments (Origin/Insertion)
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Discs are sandwiched between adjacent vertebral bodies, attaching at the vertebral endplates via collagen fibers that interlock the annulus to bone NCBI.
Blood Supply
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Discs are largely avascular. Nutrients reach the disc by diffusion through small capillaries at the vertebral endplates and outer annulus Mayo Clinic.
Nerve Supply
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Pain fibers in the outer annulus are supplied by the sinuvertebral (recurrent meningeal) nerves. Deeper disc layers lack direct innervation Mayo Clinic.
Key Functions
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Shock Absorption: Cushions forces during movement.
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Load Distribution: Spreads mechanical loads evenly across vertebrae.
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Flexibility: Allows neck flexion, extension, lateral bending, and rotation.
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Spinal Stability: Maintains vertebral alignment under stress.
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Foraminal Spacing: Keeps space for spinal nerve roots to exit.
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Protects Spinal Cord: Helps prevent excessive motion that could injure the cord Wikipedia.
Types of Herniation
Intervertebral disc herniations are classified by shape and location:
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Protrusion: Bulge where the base is wider than the dome.
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Extrusion: Dome wider than the neck, with nucleus material escaping the disc space.
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Sequestration: A fragment breaks off completely.
Herniations also vary by direction: central, posterolateral, foraminal, and far-lateral. Posterolateral extrusions press on the nerve root on the same side Regenerative Spine And JointWikipedia.
Causes
Common factors that weaken the disc and lead to posterolateral extrusion include:
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Age-related Degeneration
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Disc Desiccation (Drying)
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Annular Tears
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Poor Posture
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Repetitive Neck Strain
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Heavy Lifting
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Sudden Trauma (e.g., Car Accident)
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Sports Injuries
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Genetic Predisposition
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Smoking
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Obesity
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Vibration Exposure (e.g., Truck Driving)
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Occupational Risks (e.g., Construction)
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Poor Ergonomics
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Inflammatory Disorders (e.g., Rheumatoid Arthritis)
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Facet Joint Degeneration
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Spinal Instability
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Previous Neck Surgery
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High-Impact Falls
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Congenital Disc Weakness Mayo Clinic
Symptoms
An extruded cervical disc may cause:
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Neck Pain
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Radiating Arm Pain
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Numbness in Arm or Hand
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Tingling (“Pins and Needles”)
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Muscle Weakness
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Reflex Changes (e.g., diminished biceps reflex)
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Headaches (cervicogenic)
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Shoulder Pain
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Scapular Discomfort
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Muscle Spasms
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Limited Neck Range of Motion
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Pain Worsened by Cough/Sneeze
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Positive Spurling’s Test (pain on neck extension and rotation)
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Lhermitte’s Sign (electric shock sensation down spine)
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Gait Instability (if spinal cord is involved)
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Loss of Fine Motor Skills
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Balance Problems
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Bladder or Bowel Dysfunction (rare, emergency)
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Sensory Changes Across Multiple Dermatomes
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Sleep Disturbances due to pain Mayo Clinic
Diagnostic Tests
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Plain X-rays (rule out bone pathology)
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MRI (gold standard for soft tissues)
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CT Scan (bone and calcified herniations)
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CT Myelography
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EMG/Nerve Conduction Studies
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Discography
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Ultrasound (limited use)
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Bone Scan (rule out infection/tumor)
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Spurling’s Test
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Jackson’s Compression Test
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Lhermitte’s Sign Assessment
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Neurological Exam (strength, reflexes, sensation)
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Gait Analysis
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Cervical Flexion-Extension Films
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Provocative Discography
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Provocation Tests (e.g., neck distraction)
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Somatosensory Evoked Potentials
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Blood Tests (rule out infection/inflammation)
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Rheumatologic Panels (if systemic disease suspected)
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CT-guided Needle Biopsy (rarely, if infection/tumor) Mayo Clinic
Non-Pharmacological Treatments
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Rest & Activity Modification
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Physical Therapy (strengthening & mobilization)
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Cervical Collar (Soft)
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Cervical Traction
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Hot/Cold Therapy
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Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
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Massage Therapy
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Chiropractic Manipulation (with caution)
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Acupuncture
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Dry Needling
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Ultrasound Therapy
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Laser Therapy
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Ergonomic Corrections (workspace)
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Posture Training
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Yoga & Pilates
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Hydrotherapy
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Spinal Mobilization Techniques
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McKenzie Exercises
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Neck Strengthening Exercises
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Flexibility/Stretches
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Core Stabilization
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Biofeedback
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Mind-Body Techniques (e.g., meditation)
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Manual Therapy
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Bracing (temporary)
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Activity Pacing
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Weight Management
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Ergonomic Sleep Pillow
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Education on Safe Lifting
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Work-Hardening Programs Verywell Health
Drugs
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NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen)
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Acetaminophen
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Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitors (e.g., celecoxib)
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Muscle Relaxants (e.g., cyclobenzaprine)
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Opioids (short-term, e.g., tramadol)
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Gabapentin
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Pregabalin
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Duloxetine
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Oral Corticosteroid Burst (e.g., prednisone taper)
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Epidural Steroid Injections
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Lidocaine Patches
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Capsaicin Cream
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Tizanidine
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Baclofen
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Topical NSAIDs
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Antidepressants (TCAs, e.g., amitriptyline)
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Benzodiazepines (short-term)
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Methocarbamol
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Steroid-Sparing Agents (e.g., for systemic disease)
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Calcitonin (rare) Verywell Health
Surgeries
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Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Fusion (ACDF)
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Cervical Disc Arthroplasty (artificial disc)
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Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy
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Cervical Microdiscectomy
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Posterior Laminectomy
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Laminoplasty
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Corpectomy with Fusion
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Endoscopic Cervical Discectomy
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Posterior Instrumented Fusion
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Combined Approach Surgery Radiopaedia
Prevention Strategies
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Maintain Good Posture
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Ergonomic Workstations
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Regular Neck Exercises
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Core Strengthening
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Proper Lifting Techniques
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Weight Management
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Quit Smoking
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Use Supportive Pillows
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Take Frequent Breaks from Prolonged Postures
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Stay Hydrated for Disc Health SELF
When to See a Doctor
Seek medical attention if you experience:
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Severe, Unrelenting Pain not relieved by rest or medication
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Progressive Weakness or numbness in arms or hands
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Loss of Bladder/Bowel Control (emergency)
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Signs of Spinal Cord Compression (gait problems, balance issues)
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Fever with Neck Pain (possible infection)
Early evaluation can prevent permanent nerve damage Mayo Clinic.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What exactly is a posterolateral extrusion?
A disc extrusion where material pushes out posterolaterally, often compressing a nerve root. -
How is it different from a bulging disc?
Extrusion has disc material that breaks through the annulus, whereas a bulge leaves the annulus intact. -
Can it heal on its own?
Mild extrusions sometimes shrink over weeks with conservative care. -
Is surgery always required?
No. Most cases improve with non-surgical treatments; surgery is for persistent or severe cases. -
What imaging is best?
MRI is the gold standard for visualizing disc and nerve root involvement. -
How long does recovery take?
Six to twelve weeks for most patients; full recovery varies by severity and treatment. -
Can I work with this condition?
Light, modified duties are often possible; discuss ergonomics with your doctor. -
Will it recur?
Risk exists, especially without addressing underlying causes like posture or strength. -
Is injection therapy safe?
Epidural steroids can reduce inflammation but carry small risks (e.g., infection). -
Can exercise worsen it?
Improper technique can aggravate symptoms; follow a guided program. -
What exercises help?
Neck stretches, McKenzie extension exercises, and core stabilization. -
Are there alternative treatments?
Acupuncture, chiropractic care, and TENS may offer relief for some patients. -
Will I feel pain during surgery?
Surgery is performed under anesthesia; postoperative pain is managed with medications. -
How do I prevent future herniations?
Maintain neck strength, posture, and a healthy lifestyle. -
When is emergency care needed?
Sudden weakness, bowel/bladder changes, or neck pain with fever require immediate care.
Disclaimer: Each person’s journey is unique, treatment plan, life style, food habit, hormonal condition, immune system, chronic disease condition, geological location, weather and previous medical history is also unique. So always seek the best advice from a qualified medical professional or health care provider before trying any treatments to ensure to find out the best plan for you. This guide is for general information and educational purposes only. Regular check-ups and awareness can help to manage and prevent complications associated with these diseases conditions. If you or someone are suffering from this disease condition bookmark this website or share with someone who might find it useful! Boost your knowledge and stay ahead in your health journey. We always try to ensure that the content is regularly updated to reflect the latest medical research and treatment options. Thank you for giving your valuable time to read the article.
The article is written by Team Rxharun and reviewed by the Rx Editorial Board Members
Last Updated: April 29, 2025.



