Table 1 Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria

age 18–75 years

at least two months existing complaints of radicular sensations in the arm (VAS arm pain or VAS tingling sensations) of at least 40 mm

herniated disc with root compression confirmed by MRI corresponding with the clinical symptoms

signed informed consent

Exclusion criteria

paresis of MRC <4

mainly signs of myelopathy

any form of cervical spine surgery in the past

instability of the cervical spinal column requiring stabilisation

pregnancy

insufficient knowledge of Dutch language

planned emigration in the year after randomisation

participation in another clinical trial