Genetically weak muscles, working at the computer for very long hours and a life without sports can cause neck hernia. Neck hernia is a disorder that reduces the quality of life and makes life quite difficult.
How Does Neck Hernia Occur?
The human spine should both remain fixed and move. The spine executes these two simultaneously to maintain the balance and movement of the body. While doing these, it resists both body weight and external forces.
This resistance is provided by the discs between the vertebrae. Discs resist forces applied to the body as we move. While standing, a force is exerted on the discs. The discs in the spine absorb these applied forces, allowing our body to stay in balance and move. But with age, the forces of the discs and their ability to resist and absorb loads decrease.
Weakening of the discs and the decrease in their suction power can cause herniation. The neck does not bear a load. However, there is a high risk of disc herniation in the neck due to its movement. The best answer to the question of what is neck hernia is the hernia formed in these discs. The inner part of the discs in the neck is gelatinous. It is called neck hernia when this part tears the outer part of the neck and presses on the spinal cord and nerves.
Heavy movements that will force the neck and head region can also be the cause of neck hernia. A sudden movement or factors such as traffic accident, falling and impact can cause neck hernia.
Insufficient heating of the neck in cold weather, carrying loads that will force the neck, trying to reach something high before reaching its level and not keeping the body upright. An unsuitable position for the neck while working or sitting, falling asleep while sitting.
Stress, fatigue and an incorrectly applied massage can also cause neck hernia. Those with long necks are more at risk than those with short necks. Looking at the same spot for a long time, not exercising, and being exposed to air conditioning for a long time can also cause neck hernia. Neck hernia can also be seen as a result of the decrease in fluid in the discs in advanced ages.
What are the Symptoms of Neck Hernia?
The most important symptom of neck hernia starts from one side of the neck. pain radiating to the arm. This pain causes numbness and extends to the fingertips. The arm where the pain occurs weakens and loses strength. It can cause loss of balance and falling. In such cases, those with neck hernia have difficulty holding an object in their hands and have difficulty walking. The pain can sometimes radiate to the scapula and upper chest.
The most basic symptoms of neck hernia;
- Pain and numbness felt in one arm,
- Dizziness accompanying pain and numbness, flying flies in the eyes, tinnitus,
- Lack of concentration and nausea,
- Imbalance in walking,
- Loss of strength in the muscles,
- Pains may increase during sleep at night.
Can Neck Hernia Be Treated?
Neck hernia treatment methods vary according to the patient's condition and the level of the disease. If neck hernia is mild, physical therapy, painkillers, a stress-free life and rest are recommended for treatment. Healing can be achieved with the movements and exercises required for neck hernia. However, if the neck hernia is very advanced, numbness and difficulty in movements in the arms and other areas have increased, and previous treatments have not been effective, surgery is recommended as a last option.
Neck hernia surgery aims to relieve the congestion between the nerves. With the surgery, it is tried to increase the anatomical structure and the ability of the spine to carry the load and move. Brain and neurosurgery proposes new methods in this regard. While previous surgical methods may cause tissue damage and thus impair the function of the spine, methods have been developed to reduce these risks. The classical surgery method also has disadvantages such as duration, blood loss, post-operative problems and immobilizing the herniated area. With this surgical method, the discs may be damaged more in the long term.
One of the most preferred methods is my microdisk. During neck hernia surgery performed with microsurgery method, a very small incision is taken from the skin and tissue damage is done. Nerves can be relaxed without opening the ol. Thanks to this method, neck hernia patient can be discharged even one day after the operation. There is no need to use a neck brace, two days after the operation, you can take a bath.
The results obtained in this way are more positive. Microsurgery is a much better method in all respects, as it is much more comfortable after the operation and the possibility of blood loss and other risks during the operation is reduced. However, one hundred percent recovery may not occur after neck hernia surgery, or the hernia may recur. It is known that the recurrence rate of neck hernia is 10-15% higher in young patients.
What Should Be Considered After Surgery?
You should rest for a week after neck hernia surgery. You should not stand up more than six or seven times a day. When standing up or sitting down, the recommended action should be taken. Care should be taken to ensure that the mattress and pillow are orthopedic.
Toilet bowl should be preferred for toilet needs, especially in the first week. In the first days, the wound line is closed, and then an open bath can be made. After a week, walking is started slowly and gradually increased. If there is no discharge at the surgical site, there is no problem, in case of discharge, it is necessary to see a doctor. Smoking, alcohol and sexual intercourse should be avoided for the first week.
After a week, you can start driving for a short time. Maintaining weight and diet are now of vital importance not only for neck hernia but also for our health in general. Medicines should be used for a week with the advice of a doctor.
What Is Good For Neck Hernia?
In order to reduce the pain of neck hernia ;
- It is necessary not to sit in the same position all the time and to change positions every forty-five minutes.
- Sleeping on your side and a cervical disc pillow can be good for pain.
- Reading books in the same position all the time; Looking at phones or tablets is not healthy for our neck.
- The person diagnosed with neck hernia should keep his neck upright as much as possible and take care to keep his neck upright even when turning it to the right or left. The neck should not be moved suddenly. Stress made possible Reducing weight and avoiding a sedentary life are among the measures that can be taken against neck hernia.
What Kinds of Exercises Can Be Done for Neck Hernia?
Those who have been diagnosed with neck hernia or those who are in the risk group due to desk jobs should do a regular practice. neck hernia exercises should be done. Moving the neck forward and backward by stretching, keeping the neck straight, turning it to the right and left, tilting the head to the side at ear level, pushing the head back with the hands and trying to resist it, pushing the head forward by bringing the hands behind the head and trying to resist it are the basics that can be done for neck hernia neck movements. You can practice these exercises in just five minutes a day. Swimming is also a sport that is good for neck hernia and strengthens neck muscles.
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