Neck hernia is one of the common problems in neurosurgery practice. As it is known, there are 7 vertebrae in the neck and structures called discs between them and 2 small joints connecting both vertebrae. The disc structure between the vertebrae consists of an outer layer called annulus fibrosus and an inner layer called nucleus pulposus, and its task is to distribute the load on the vertebrae equally, to act as a shock absorber with a simple analogy. Another task of the disc and facet joints is to provide the mobility of the neck. In this way, we have the opportunity to move our neck in all directions.
Neck pain is one of the most common problems of daily life. Neck pain is more common, especially after computer use is an indispensable part of business life. These pains can be seen as a result of abuse and misuse of the neck vertebrae as we mentioned above, as well as after injury caused by trauma. Some occupational groups are prone to neck pain. People who do office work that requires intensive use of computers at the desk, such as teachers, drivers, employees who do physically intensive work…
In the degenerative process that increases with age, it may contribute to the condition called calcification among the people, causing an increase in neck pain in the patient. With aging, the amount of water in the inner part of the structure called the disc between the vertebrae may decrease, which prevents the disc from doing its job. Afterwards, the outer layer of the disc may begin to deteriorate and rupture may occur. If these tears progress further, the inner structure of the disc will come out of the tear and press on the nerves going to the spinal cord and arms. This condition is called cervical disc herniation in medicine and neck hernia among the people. Compression of the nerves going to the arms may cause pain in the shoulders and/or arms, numbness, tingling, and loss of strength in the arms and/or hands. The compression of the neck hernia on the spinal cord may less likely cause problems in the legs and pathological reflex findings.
How is the Diagnosis Made?
The first step in diagnosing is to listen to the patient’s complaints and history and to examine other disease groups that may be confused with neck hernia. The next step is magnetic resonance imaging, which is the first preferred examination in the current approach. In some cases, especially in elderly patients, computed tomography and direct radiography (X-ray) are required to better detect calcification in the vertebrae and/or the intervertebral region.
If there is more than one neck hernia or if the nerves going to the arms are compressed in the patient, an electrophysiological EMG (electromyography) test can also be performed.
