can cervical herniation cause paralysis?

Question

I am wondering can paralysis be brought on if cervical herniation is not taken care. I was told I have a rather large herniation and is pressing on my spinal chord and that it could cause severe spinal chord injury is this true?

Answer 1

Cervical, or neck spine herniation, can cause paralysis and even death if the herniation is high enough in the neck. A large herniation "pressing on the spinal cord" is very dangerous and not something to ignore. If the herniation is in the first few discs below the head then death can occur as these nerves are responsible for the muscles that allow you to breathe. The nerves further down in the neck control all movement below the head and paralysis can occur if the herniation protrudes and presses on the spinal cord. If you are feeling any tingling or pain in your shoulders or arms this may be a sign itself of pressure on the spinal cord. However, paralysis can occur suddenly without warning and so any pressure on the spinal cord should be treated immediately.
Signed--Licensed Nurse

Answer 2

sure is... get it fixed.