A herniated disc is a condition in which the discs between the vertebrae in the neck are torn or displaced, causing pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots. I can answer the following questions to give more information about cervical hernia:
1. Who Has Cervical Hernia?Cervical herniated discs usually occur in middle-aged adults. Risk factors may include ageing, trauma, heavy lifting, smoking, familial predisposition and working in the wrong neck position all the time.
2. How to Prevent Neck Hernia? What are the Risky Positions and Movements?
You can do the following to prevent neck hernia:
– Exercise to strengthen the neck muscles.
– Not using high pillows and paying attention to the neck position during sleep.
– Maintaining the correct position while working at a computer or desk.
– Not lifting heavy loads or using the correct techniques.
3. What are the symptoms of neck hernia?
Symptoms of neck hernia may be as follows:
– Neck or shoulder pain.
– Pain radiating from the back of the head.
– Feeling of restlessness in the arms.
– Loss of strength or weakness in the arms.
– Numbness or tingling in the arms.
– Impaired control of urination or defecation (this is rare).
4. How Neck Hernia is Diagnosed?
Modern imaging techniques such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are used to diagnose cervical hernia. In addition, EMG (nerve measurement test) may be required in some cases. However, the most important criterion in diagnosis is clinical examination and specialist physician observation.
5. What are the Treatment Methods of Neck Hernia?
Treatment options of neck hernia depend on the patient’s condition. In the initial stage, painkillers, muscle relaxants, bed rest and physical therapy may be recommended. Surgical intervention may be required in progressive cases. Surgical treatment can be performed from the front or back side depending on the location of the hernia.
6. What are the expectations after surgical treatment?
After surgery, patients usually see a rapid improvement in pain and other symptoms. There may be mild pain at the site of surgery, but this pain can usually be controlled with painkillers.