One of the most common causes of neck pain, which is one of the disorders that two out of every three people in the general population complain about at some point in their life, is “Cervical Disc Disease”, known as Neck Hernia. 5% of adult people become incapable of work for a period of 6 months due to neck pain. Neck hernias actually reflect the clinical conditions of a progressive, chronic “aging” and erosion process in the spine.
What are the Causes of Neck Hernia?
Neck hernia occurs between the ages of 20-40, usually in people who use their body a lot. The main cause of neck hernia is to load heavy loads to injure the neck. Making sudden reverse movements, doing heavy sports, wrong sleeping position, constant phone and computer
Spending time, sitting in the same position all the time, doing a job that will damage the neck and neck discs, blows to the neck as a result of various accidents can be listed as the causes of neck hernia.
Symptoms;
The most prominent symptom of neck hernia is neck pain. But not all neck pain is caused by a hernia. Most of these are caused by muscle pain. Neck hernia occurs due to forcing and heavy lifting.
Pain due to hernia; pain in the back, shoulder blades, shoulders, back of the head and fingertips. Apart from pain, in severe hernias, numbness, tingling and loss of strength may occur in certain areas of the arms and fingers, depending on the function of the pinched nerve.
Diagnostic Methods;
The most important data that will lead the physician to the diagnosis is the clinical condition to be determined by observation and examination, together with the patient’s complaint. In the examination, the type and location of the pain is tried to be determined, as well as any loss of strength, loss of sensation and abnormal reflexes are checked. X-ray film, MR and Computed Tomography (CT) method that the physician will request together with the examination will help for a definitive diagnosis.
imaging methods.
Especially in MRI, the pressure of the hernia on the spinal cord and nerves can be seen clearly. In some cases, EMG, which shows nerve qualities and damage to the nerve from the neck to the arm for another reason, is also used in the diagnosis of neck hernia.
Treatment Methods;
Most patients with neck hernia (cervical disc herniation) can get better with rest and rest without any treatment. There are different options for the treatment of patients with ongoing pain. There are many drugs available to reduce the pain associated with neck hernia. Most patients will improve with non-surgical medical treatment or conservative treatment. Treatments such as rest, neck brace, anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce nerve inflammation, painkillers for pain control, physical therapy, exercise or regional cortisone injections are considered non-operative treatments.
may be recommended by your doctor.
Surgical Treatment (Neck Surgery)
Surgery may be necessary for patients who are diagnosed with neck hernia but do not benefit from non-surgical treatment methods. The purpose of neck hernia surgery is to remove the part pressing on the nerve. This is done through a procedure called a discectomy. Depending on the location of the hernia, the surgeon may recommend surgery from the front or back of the neck to reach the spine. In the anterior approach, the hernia and disc tissue will be almost completely removed, so fusion is also necessary. The surgical procedure should be performed by microsurgery. Medical therapy, Physiotherapy or
Your doctor will make the best decision about surgical suitability and method.
Kiss. Dr. Eser Berkyurek
Neurospinal Cord and Nerve Surgery specialist
PRIVATE ERCIYES HOSPITAL
