Your MRI Isn't Your Destiny

If you’ve been told you have a “large” disc herniation in your neck, it sounds alarming—but size isn’t everything.

A recent study found that the size of a cervical disc herniation does NOT strongly relate to pain, disability or symptoms in people with cervical radiculopathy.

In other words:

Bigger doesn’t mean worse.

Your symptoms are influenced more by nerve sensitivity, inflammation and movement—not just what shows up on an MRI.

Takeaway:

Don’t let imaging define your recovery. We treat people, not pictures.

If you’re dealing with neck or arm pain, there are ways to improve how you feel and function—and I’m here to help.

Lauren DeYoe

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Reiki Master

Owner Reiki PT

Gül A, Yang X, Goedmakers CMW, Vleggeert-Lankamp C. Does the Size of Cervical Disc Herniation Affect Clinical Parameters in Cervical Radiculopathy? J Clin Med. 2025 Dec 16;14(24):8900.