How Does Neck Hernia Occur?
It consists of 7 vertebral bodies starting from the skull base. In the middle of each vertebral body is the spinal cord, which is the continuation of the brain. The senses that return to the brain from various parts of the body or the orders that are distributed from the brain to the body travel within the spinal cord. In the neck region, the nerves coming out of the level of each vertebral body spread to the arm and back, providing the sensation and movement of these regions. The disc tissue, which we call the intervertebral cushion, has the outer part (annulus fibrosus) and the inner part (nucleus pulposus). Neck hernia occurs as a result of the gelatinous inner part tearing the outer part, which consists of a stronger connective tissue, and compressing the spinal cord and nerves.
Neck Hernia Symptoms
Patients complain of a pain that spreads to the arm on one side. The pain radiates to the tips of the fingers and may be accompanied by numbness. There may be loss of strength in the arm where the pain spreads. Patients complain of dropping heavy objects in their hands to the ground. . The pain increases excessively, especially at night while sleeping. If the compression progresses further, walking difficulties and imbalance also occur. The person becomes incontinent of urine and feces.
Diagnosis of Neck Hernia
MRI is taken for definitive diagnosis. It can work in tomography where MRI is not available. However, if there is MRI, it should be preferred.
Neck Hernia Treatment
A- If there is only pain: medication + rest + swimming
B- If there is pain and numbness: Physical therapy
C- If there is loss of strength: Surgery
Neck Hernia Surgery
Neck surgeries have become quite easy with the developing technology. Now, the hernia is reached by entering through a small incision from the front of the neck, and the operation takes thirty to forty minutes. The patient stands up two hours after the operation and is discharged on the same day. In these surgeries performed with microsurgery, the risk of being disabled or paralyzed is almost nonexistent. The patient can return to work within a week or ten days.
Situations That Should Definitely Not Expect
– Gait disturbance
– Dropping objects from the hand
– Unbalance
– Pain that wakes up at night
– Melting in arm muscles
