Neck hernia is a condition that occurs as a result of damage to the intervertebral discs in the neck spine. There are 7 vertebrae in the neck spine and 7 intervertebral discs between the vertebrae starting from the second vertebra to the first dorsal vertebra. Intervertebral discs are cartilaginous structures located between each vertebra of the spine and are structures that act as both joint and load-absorbing shock absorbers that mediate the anterior-backward, lateral flexibility and rotational movement of the spine. Each disc consists of three main components: Annulus fibrosus: It is the outer layer and consists of a hard cartilage tissue. Annulus fibrosus consists of annular fibers that radiate toward the center of the disc. These fibers hold the disc together and prevent the gel-like substance inside from coming out. Nucleus pulposus (nucleus tissue): It is the inner layer and has a jelly-like structure. The nucleus pulposus is located in the center of the disc, and its water-retaining mucopolysaccharide content provides a fluid and jelly-like feature. This gel-like substance absorbs the vertical load on the spine and directs it to the disc's wall, providing pressure-absorbing properties. Endplate: The bone tissue covering the upper and lower surfaces of the disc. The upper and lower endplates allow the discs to adhere to the vertebrae and interface with the blood flow in the vertebrae to feed the disc tissue. Endplate calcification (calcification) prevents the feeding of the disc, causing the water content to dry (dehydrate) and herniate. In most hernia patients, we see the following under the microscope: the endplate has been destroyed (degenerated) and the nucleus pulposus has dried out and lost its fluidity. The malnourished annulus fibrosus (outer wall) cracked and the disc contents herniated out, compressing the nerves. Intervertebral discs are important for spinal mobility and shock absorption. Discs distribute the load on the spine, provide flexibility of the spine and protect the spinal cord. However, in cases such as aging, trauma or overload, disc damage may occur and conditions such as neck herniation may occur. Neck hernia usually occurs with a combination of the following factors:
Aging: As the discs age, the destruction (degeneration) I described above process begins and loses its water content, becoming less flexible . This can cause the discs to rupture easily and herniate.
Disc degeneration: It is actually a natural degenerative process where the discs undergo structural changes. But degeneration can accelerate in people who are overweight and work in jobs that require heavy lifting. Due to rapid degeneration, the elasticity of the discs decreases and they become more easily ruptured.
Trauma: Discs on the spine can be traumatized during an accident, fall or sports activities in the neck area. This can cause damage to the discs and herniation. This can increase the risk of hernia. Hernias in the neck can compress the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness. It is important to consult a specialist for the diagnosis and treatment of neck hernia when these Turkish complaints occur.
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