Due to trauma, strain, accident or old age, the center of the disc may lose its water content and not perform its cushioning function as well as before. As the disc deteriorates, its outer layer may rupture, and the center of the disc comes out of a tear in the outer layer and overflows into the space where the nerves and spinal cord are located, causing a cervical herniation.
There are 7 vertebrae in our neck and discs that allow us to move between these vertebrae. The disc, which is the most important structure connecting one vertebra to another, consists of strong connective tissue and serves as a cushion or shock absorber between the vertebrae. (figure-1) Disc and facet joints allow the movements of the vertebrae and allow you to bend or turn your neck and back.
What are the Symptoms of Cervical Herniation?
- Pain in neck, back, arms and shoulders
- Loss of sensation
- Electrification
- Loss of strength in arm and hand muscles
- Weakness in reflexes
- Thinning in the arm
- Rarely, a herniated disc may cause problems in the legs by putting pressure on the spinal cord.
The primary method used in cervical disc herniation therapy is to strengthen the neck muscles and put pressure on the spine. These are exercises aimed at reducing the load. The progression of the hernia can be stopped with these exercises. Your doctor may recommend painkillers to reduce acute pain due to hernia. Muscle relaxant ointments that relax the neck muscles can be used along with the medication. If the pain does not decrease with medication and neck movements continue to be restricted, the physiotherapy option should be considered. With physiotherapy, the areas where pain is felt are strengthened and the pressure of the hernia on the nerves is tried to be reduced.
With these mentioned therapy methods, surgery may be an option for cervical hernia whose symptoms cannot be controlled. Experts see cervical disc herniation surgery as the last option and try to get results from methods other than surgical intervention whenever possible.
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