A cervical migrated disc compression collapse describes a condition in which one of the cushioning discs between the bones (vertebrae) of the neck (cervical spine) shifts (migrates), presses on nearby nerves or the spinal cord (compression), and loses height or “collapses” due to injury or degeneration. This can lead to pain, numbness, muscle weakness, and, in severe cases, loss of arm or leg function.
Anatomy of the Cervical Disc and Spine
Structure and Location:
Between each pair of cervical vertebrae (C2–C7) sits an intervertebral disc. Each disc consists of two parts:
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Annulus fibrosus: A tough outer ring of collagen fibers.
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Nucleus pulposus: A soft, gelatin-like center that absorbs shocks.
These discs maintain spacing so nerve roots can exit the spinal canal and allow the neck to twist and bend.
Blood Supply:
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Discs themselves are avascular (no direct blood vessels).
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Nutrients reach the disc by diffusion from small blood vessels in the adjacent vertebral endplates.
Nerve Supply:
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Tiny nerves called the sinuvertebral (recurrent meningeal) nerves penetrate the outermost annulus fibrosus.
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They carry pain signals when the disc is irritated or injured.
Functions ( Key Roles):
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Shock absorption: Cushions impacts during movement.
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Load distribution: Evenly spreads weight across vertebrae.
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Spinal flexibility: Allows bending, twisting, and extension.
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Segmental stability: Keeps vertebrae aligned.
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Height maintenance: Keeps proper spacing for nerve roots.
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Protects spinal cord and nerves: Prevents excessive movement that could harm neural structures.
Types of Cervical Disc Pathology
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Disc Bulge: Annulus fibrosus weakens; disc edges extend beyond vertebral bodies without tearing.
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Protrusion: Inner nucleus pushes outward, causing a localized bulge.
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Extrusion: Nucleus breaks through annulus fibers but remains connected.
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Sequestration (Migration): A fragment of nucleus separates and moves freely in the spinal canal.
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Collapse (Degenerative Disc Disease): Disc loses height and water content over time, reducing space between vertebrae.
Causes
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Age-related wear and tear (degeneration)
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Repetitive neck strain (e.g., desk work, texting)
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Acute trauma (e.g., car accidents)
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Heavy lifting without support
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Smoking (reduces disc nutrition)
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Obesity (excess load)
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Genetics (family history of disc disease)
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Poor posture (forward head posture)
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Vibration exposure (e.g., heavy machinery)
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Inflammatory conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis)
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Metabolic disorders (e.g., diabetes)
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Connective tissue diseases (e.g., Ehlers-Danlos syndrome)
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Osteoporosis (vertebral changes alter disc mechanics)
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Disc infection (discitis)
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Tumors near the disc
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Previous cervical spine surgery (scar formation)
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Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the canal increases pressure)
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Spondylolisthesis (vertebra slip)
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Congenital spine malformations
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High-impact sports injuries (e.g., diving, football)
Symptoms
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Neck pain (localized)
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Radiating arm pain (radiculopathy)
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Numbness or tingling in arms or hands
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Muscle weakness in shoulder, arm, or hand
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Reflex changes (diminished biceps/triceps reflex)
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Stiffness in the neck
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Headaches (cervicogenic)
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Limited range of motion
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Muscle spasms
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Shoulder blade pain
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Balance problems (if spinal cord compressed)
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Trouble with fine motor tasks (buttoning, writing)
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Gait disturbance (wide-based gait)
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Clumsiness or dropping objects
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Hyperreflexia (overactive reflexes in legs)
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Bowel or bladder changes (in severe myelopathy)
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Loss of coordination
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Sensory changes (loss of vibration sense)
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Night pain (worse when lying flat)
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Fatigue from constant pain
Diagnostic Tests
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Gold standard for soft-tissue detail.
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Computed Tomography (CT): Good for bone assessment.
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X-rays (plain radiographs): Flexion-extension views to check stability.
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Myelography: Dye injection plus CT to visualize nerve compression.
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Electromyography (EMG): Measures muscle electrical activity.
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Nerve Conduction Study (NCS): Tests speed of nerve signals.
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Discography: Dye into disc to reproduce pain.
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Ultrasound: Limited use for superficial structures.
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Bone Scan: Detects infection, fracture, tumor.
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CT Angiography: If vascular involvement suspected.
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Blood tests: ESR, CRP for inflammation/infection.
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Complete Blood Count (CBC): Checks for infection markers.
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Hoffmann’s Sign: Flick middle finger to test upper motor neuron.
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Spurling’s Test: Neck extension and rotation with downward pressure to reproduce radicular pain.
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Lhermitte’s Sign: Neck flexion causing electric shock-like sensation.
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Gait Analysis: Observes walking for myelopathy.
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Grip Strength Test: Assesses hand weakness.
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Sensory Examination: Light touch, pinprick, vibration.
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Cervical Range of Motion (ROM) Measurement: Goniometer to quantify motion.
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Functional Assessment: Questionnaires (e.g., Neck Disability Index).
Non-Pharmacological Treatments
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Rest and activity modification
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Physical therapy (targeted exercises)
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Cervical traction (manual or mechanical)
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Soft cervical collar (short-term)
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Heat therapy (warm packs)
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Cold packs (reduce inflammation)
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Massage therapy
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Chiropractic mobilization (with caution)
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Acupuncture
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Yoga (neck-friendly poses)
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Pilates (core strengthening)
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Ergonomic adjustments (workstation setup)
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Postural training
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Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
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Ultrasound therapy
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Myofascial release
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Spinal decompression therapy
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Inversion table therapy
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Tai Chi (gentle movement)
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Stretching exercises (neck, shoulder)
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Strengthening exercises (deep neck flexors)
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Aerobic exercise (walking, swimming)
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Water therapy (aquatic exercises)
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Proprioceptive training
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Relaxation techniques (deep breathing)
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Cognitive-behavioral therapy (pain coping)
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Biofeedback
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Mindfulness meditation
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Ergonomic sleeping support (cervical pillow)
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Avoidance of aggravating activities
Drugs
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Ibuprofen (NSAID)
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Naproxen (NSAID)
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Diclofenac (NSAID)
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Celecoxib (COX-2 inhibitor)
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Acetaminophen
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Cyclobenzaprine (muscle relaxant)
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Methocarbamol (muscle relaxant)
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Baclofen (muscle relaxant)
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Tizanidine (muscle relaxant)
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Oral Prednisone (short steroid course)
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Epidural Steroid Injection
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Gabapentin (neuropathic pain)
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Pregabalin (neuropathic pain)
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Amitriptyline (tricyclic antidepressant)
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Duloxetine (SNRI)
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Tramadol (weak opioid)
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Lidocaine Patch
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Capsaicin Cream (topical)
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Topical Diclofenac Gel
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Diazepam (short-term muscle relaxant)
Surgical Options
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Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)
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Cervical Disc Arthroplasty (artificial disc replacement)
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Posterior Cervical Laminectomy
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Posterior Cervical Laminoplasty
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Foraminotomy (nerve‐root decompression)
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Anterior Corpectomy (removal of vertebral body)
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Posterior Fusion (instrumented)
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Microdiscectomy (minimally invasive removal)
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Posterior Decompression (wide decompression)
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Lateral Mass Fixation
Prevention Strategies
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Maintain good posture (neutral spine)
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Ergonomic workstation setup
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Regular neck and core exercises
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Avoid prolonged static positions
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Use proper lifting techniques
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Maintain a healthy weight
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Quit smoking
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Stay hydrated (disc nutrition)
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Balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals
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Take regular breaks during desk work
When to See a Doctor
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Severe or worsening pain that doesn’t improve with home care after 2–4 weeks
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Progressive weakness in arms or legs
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Numbness or tingling that spreads or intensifies
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Loss of bladder or bowel control
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Difficulty walking or balance problems
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Fever or unexplained weight loss (possible infection/tumor)
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Neck injury after trauma (e.g., fall, accident)
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Pain at night that disrupts sleep
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Failure of conservative treatments after 6 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What causes a cervical disc to migrate?
Disc fibers tear, allowing the inner material to slip out and move within the spinal canal. -
Is a migrated disc the same as a collapsed disc?
No. Migration refers to disc material shifting; collapse means the disc has lost height over time. -
Can a migrated disc heal on its own?
Sometimes small fragments are reabsorbed by the body, but large migrations often need medical care. -
How long does recovery take?
Mild cases: 4–6 weeks with conservative care. Post-surgery: 3–6 months for fusion. -
Will I need surgery?
Only if you have severe nerve compression, weakness, or no improvement after 6–12 weeks. -
Are there exercises I should avoid?
Yes—heavy overhead lifting, deep neck flexion under load, and repetitive high-impact motions. -
Is it safe to drive with this condition?
Only if pain and range of motion allow safe control of the vehicle. -
Will a cervical collar help?
Short-term use (a few days) can reduce pain, but long-term use may weaken neck muscles. -
Can physical therapy really help?
Yes—targeted exercises improve strength, flexibility, and posture, reducing disc pressure. -
What’s the difference between ACDF and disc replacement?
ACDF fuses two vertebrae, limiting motion; disc replacement preserves motion at that level. -
Are steroids safe for injections?
When given properly, epidural steroids are generally safe but have rare risks (infection, bleeding). -
How can I prevent recurrence?
Maintain posture, exercise regularly, avoid smoking, and use proper lifting techniques. -
Does age affect healing?
Older discs heal more slowly due to reduced blood supply and disc hydration. -
Can stress make my symptoms worse?
Yes—stress increases muscle tension and pain sensitivity. -
When should I consider a second opinion?
If recommended surgery seems premature or symptoms worsen despite treatment.
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: May 05, 2025.