If the C5-C6 disc is bulging, it can expose surrounding nerves to uneven pressure (compression), and this can cause a variety of symptoms. When a disc is bulging, its change in shape can cause it to bulge outwards, encroaching on spaces within the spine: spaces that are important for spinal nerves. When a disc is bulging, it’s in danger of becoming herniated, which is when the inner nucleus actually pushes through a tear in the outer annulus, and the inner gel-like material pushes against nearby spinal structures and nerves if a bulging disc is left untreated, it can become a herniated disc. When a disc becomes a bulging disc, this means that the inner nucleus is pushing against its outer annulus, causing the annulus’s perimeter to bulge outward into the space within the spine. The discs contain water, collagen, and proteins, and when we’re born, the discs are made up of approximately 80 percent water, but that fluid level decreases with age if a disc experiences significant fluid loss, it’s called disc desiccation and can lead to the development of degenerative disc disease and a number of spinal issues. The intervertebral discs consist of two main structures: a soft gel-like inner nucleus and a tough and durable outer annulus. They help provide cushioning so the vertebrae aren’t rubbing up against one another, generating friction during movement, enabling flexible movement, structural support, and helping the spine absorb and distribute mechanical stress. When it comes to the C5-C6 intervertebral disc, we’re talking about the disc that sits between the C5 and C6 vertebral bodies.Īs mentioned, the discs that sit between adjacent vertebrae are key to maintaining optimal spinal health and function. Now, let’s move on to the specific topic of C5-C6 disc bulging. While supporting the weight of the head might not seem like a challenging task, keep in mind that a shift forward in the head’s posture as little as 1 inch increases the weight of the head on the neck and its muscles by approximately 10 pounds, known as forward head posture.īecause of the load-bearing nature of the C5-C6 vertebrae, this motion-segment of the neck is extra vulnerable to injury and is commonly affected by poor posture, trauma, radicular pain (commonly caused by compression), disc degeneration, disc herniation, and disc bulging. The C5-C6 vertebrae provide support and flexibility to the neck and head above. The C5-C6 vertebrae of the cervical spine are located in the lower portion of the cervical spine, just above the C7 vertebral body. In addition, there are small holes in the vertebrae (C1 to C6) of the cervical spine that provides a tunnel through which vertebral arteries carry blood to the brain these vertebrae are the only spinal bones with holes through which arteries pass. The second vertebral body, C2, is called the axis and facilitates the pivoting movement of the atlas so the neck can turn from side to side.Ĭonsisting of the spine’s first seven vertebrae, the cervical spine supports the weight of the head, protects the spinal cord, facilitates the neck’s flexibility and range of motion (extension, flexion, rotation, and lateral flexion), and connects the brain to the rest of the body. Interestingly enough, the atlas is named after the figure from Greek mythology, famed for carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. The first two vertebrae of the cervical spine have a unique function and shape the C1 is called the atlas, is ring-shaped, and starts at the base of the skull, and it’s the atlas that allows us to maintain the head’s upright position. There are numerous conditions that can affect the cervical spine such as arthritis, degenerative bone disease, stenosis, degenerative disc disease, and bulging discs. The Cervical Spine: Structure and Function Let’s start our discussion of C5-C6 disc bulging by exploring the cervical spine in terms of structure and function. A bulging disc has different causes, symptoms, and treatment needs. If the disc that sits between the C5 C6 vertebrae is bulging, that means its inner nucleus is pushing outwards against its outer annulus. The cervical spine consists of seven vertebrae (C1 to C7). When a disc becomes a bulging disc, its change in shape can cause a number of issues. Disc health is important in terms of facilitating flexible movement, providing cushioning between adjacent vertebrae, and acting as the spine’s shock absorbers. The spine consists of vertebrae (bones) stacked on top of one another and separated by intervertebral discs.
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