Neck Hernia

Cervical disc herniation is the state of displacement (shift) of the cartilage tissue from between the two adjacent cervical vertebrae to the spinal canal like the lumbar disc herniation. Thus, compression of the spinal cord and nerves occurs and consequently, cervical (neck) disc herniation disease occurs. Cervical discopathy is a disease seen mostly in the middle-aged group.

What are the causes of cervical disc herniation?

It is usually due to abuse of the cervical spine. What does this mean? Strong neck muscles providing good support for the cervical spine. That’s why sports activities should be in our lives. In our era, it is mostly seen in desk employees. Keeping the head tilted forward for a long time, weak neck muscles are among the most important causes of disc degeneration and cervical herniation. The damage of the connective tissues of the neck by a car accident is another reason that initiates the herniation of the neck. Familial predisposition, though weak, may also be a cause.

How should be treated?

Herniation of the neck can be seen in many different ways. Treatment is decided according to the type of herniation and examination findings of the patient. Which patients need surgery? Surgery may be recommended if a loss of strength in the arm or arm and leg has begun and progressed, if it is gait disturbance, loss of bladder and bowel control, and if the physician thinks this is risky for the patient. Pain is also a surgical indication. However, the physician and the patient must decide together. If the pain has been present for a long time (3 months or more) then the pain can acquire neuropathic character. In this case, the surgery may not be very gratifying. Follow-up of the patient after the operation and start exercises to strengthen the neck muscles after the sixth week, physical therapy is recommended.