Spontaneous Regression of Extruded Cervical Disc Herniation in a 26-Year-Old Woman: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Introduction The spontaneous regression of lumbar disc herniation was increasingly documented in the literatures. However, radiographically demonstrated regression of a cervical disc herniation with myelopathic symptoms was relatively rare, because most cases received early surgical intervention as soon as radiological presentation of serious extrusion in cervical vertebrae. Materials and Methods In this article, one case of spontaneous regression of extruded cervical herniated discs was presented. No history of trauma was reported in a 26-year-old woman, with 1-month history of gradual-onset neck pain and upper back pain, and left arm numbness. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the cervical spine revealed spine seriously compressed at the cervical C5-C6 levels. The patient denied operation and received conservative rehabilitation treatment. Results The disc regressions were correlated with clinical improvement and documented with follow-up MRI studies 6 months later. Nonsurgical conservative observation may be considered an option for treatment of some extruded cervical disc herniations that are likely to regress for very specific and predictable reasons based on thorough understanding of patient's case history and positive signs. It was necessary to take frequent follow-ups and excluded gradual spine lesion. Conclusion Nonsurgical conservative observation may be considered an option for treatment of some extruded cervical disc herniations that are likely to regress for very specific and predictable reasons based on thorough understanding of patient's case history and positive signs. It was necessary to take frequent follow-ups and excluded gradual spine lesion. Disclosure of Interest None declared References Ito T, Yamada M, Ikuta F, et al. Histologic evidence of absorption of sequestration-type herniated disc. Spine 1996;21(2):230–234 Slavin KV, Raja A, Thornton J, Wagner FC Jr. Spontaneous regression of a large lumbar disc herniation: report of an illustrative case. Surg Neurol 2001;56(5):333-336, discussion 337 Mochida K, Komori H, Okawa A, Muneta T, Haro H, Shinomiya K. Regression of cervical disc herniation observed on magnetic resonance images. Spine 1998;23(9):990-995, discussion 996–997 Saal JS, Saal JA, Yurth EF. Nonoperative management of herniated cervical intervertebral disc with radiculopathy. Spine 1996;21(16):1877–1883