What is a herniated disk in the neck?

A herniated disc in the neck occurs when one of the discs that cushions the vertebrae in the neck becomes damaged and bulges or ruptures, according to WebMD. The vertebrae between the chest and the head make up the cervical spine, and discs in the neck are called cervical discs.

Cervical disc herniation is normally caused by wear and tear related to the aging process, explains WebMD. As humans age, discs lose the fluid that gives them their flexibility. Traumatic injuries to the spine can also cause disc herniation.

According to WebMD, symptoms of a herniated disc in the neck include weakness, numbness and pain in the neck, chest, shoulders, arms and hands.