Herniated Disc Worst Case Scenario Button

Am I Going to Get Paralyzed? Am I Going to Die?

No and No.

Nothing is guaranteed so don't hold me to it but in most every case the symptoms from a herniated disc are safely and effectively resolved without paralysis. It is extremely rare for paralysis to occur and for most routine herniated discs without spinal cord compression it is not even something to worry about.

90% of people get better on their own without the need for surgery. The 10% that require microsurgery, as a group, do very well and have excellent relief of pain.

The more common serious complications from a herniated disc in the neck are persistent chronic arm numbness or weakness, despite treatment. Myelopathy (see above) is also a more serious condition and it is not uncommon for permanent nerve damage to persist even after surgical treatment.

Cervical herniated discs are considered a benign condition. In and of themselves they are not fatal.