What is neck hernia, what are the symptoms? What causes neck hernia and how does the pain go away?
Neck hernia is a disease that usually occurs at the age of 30 and above. Neck hernia; Nerve contractions that come with stress, as well as with forcing and heavy lifting, also cause neck hernia. Neck hernia symptoms are not understood only by pain in the neck. Neck hernia, which has many causes such as sitting at a desk for a long time, sitting at a computer, making a wrong move and damaging your muscles; If left untreated, it can lead to serious problems such as paralysis. Therefore, it is important to be informed about neck hernia symptoms and to consult a doctor as soon as neck hernia symptoms are observed.
What is neck hernia?
Neck hernia; It is a disease caused by the displacement of the cartilage between the neck vertebrae towards the spinal canal. It puts pressure on the nerves that extend to the spinal cord and arm. Discs that provide movement of the neck between the vertebrae; While preventing the two bone tissues from coming into contact with each other, it also reduces the load on the spine, that is, the bones. The neck of the spine consists of seven bones called the cervical vertebrae. Between the vertebrae, there are “discs” that provide the movements of the neck. The discs, thanks to the water and collagen structure they contain, reduce the load on the spine, that is, the bones. It also prevents the two bone tissues from coming into contact with each other. In cases where the neck is not adequately protected, the disc tissue loses its water and becomes hard, creating neck hernia. In other words, degenerated disc tissue means the beginning of neck hernia. With the deterioration of the soft structure in the discs or the natural structure of the bones, the pressure on the nerves going to the arm or spinal cord causes the symptoms of neck hernia in patients.
A detailed neurological examination is required to make a definitive diagnosis of neck hernia. Appropriate radiological examinations and, when necessary, nerve electrode examination, that is, EMG, are sufficient.
If you feel weak in your hands, your neck and its surroundings hurt, you are most likely to face the symptom of neck hernia. So, what are the symptoms of neck hernia?
What are the symptoms of neck hernia?
- Pain in the neck, muscle spasm, limitation of neck movements
- Pain that can spread from the neck to the arms and sometimes to the chest and back
- Numbness in arms and hands
- Symptoms such as dizziness, tinnitus, flying flies in the eyes, nausea, poor concentration
- Decreased muscle strength in arms and hands
- Pain increases excessively especially at night during sleep.
What causes neck hernia?
Neck hernia; sitting in a place for a long time (such as sitting at a desk, in front of the TV and in the car), unhealthy sitting patterns, heavy lifting, uncontrolled sports, cracking the neck, staying under the air conditioner for a long time, standing with wet hair, genetic factors, sudden and reverse movements It is caused by disc damage in the vertebrae.
Who gets neck hernia?
Neck hernia; It can be seen depending on structural features, genetic factors and smoking.
Doctors, who say that the neck structure is observed to deteriorate in a short time, especially in people who smoke at young ages, state that they encounter neck hernia cases within 5 years after starting to smoke.
Neck hernia is a disease that develops later, as well as a genetic disease. If there are cases of neck hernia in the family, the risk of other people having neck hernia is high. These people need to be careful in choosing pillows and choose orthopedic pillows.
Neck hernia can also occur due to structural features. People with a long and thin neck are at higher risk than people with a short neck. The reason for this is that people with long and thin necks have weaker muscle structures.
Does neck hernia cause headache?
Neck hernia, which causes contraction of the neck muscles, may be the cause of your headache. Headaches can generally be caused by insomnia, stress, eye diseases, sinuses or genetic diseases, as well as among the symptoms of neck hernia. In this case, it is recommended by Neurosurgery Specialists to take a warm bath to relieve your pain.
How is neck hernia treated?
The person who encounters the symptoms of neck hernia should first go to the doctor and see if there is really a neck hernia. After the diagnosis of neck hernia is made, neck hernia treatment is started. How does neck hernia pass? Depending on the condition of the disease, pain relief pills, muscle relaxant cream and home exercise are recommended. If the pain and the weakness felt in the hand have not passed, physical therapy is included in the treatment process. In the event that all these methods do not work, surgery comes into play.
Who can undergo neck hernia surgery?
The aim of this surgery is to remove the part of the disc that is pressing on the nerve. This is called a discectomy. Today, damaged discs can be surgically removed and replaced with prostheses. However, experts state that prosthesis application is not suitable for every patient.
