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- What Is A Cervical Vertebral Hernia?
- What Are The Causes Of A Cervical Vertebral Hernia?
- What Are The Symptoms Of A Cervical Vertebral Hernia?
- How To Diagnose A Cervical Vertebral Hernia?
- How Is A Cervical Vertebral Hernia Treated?
- Surgical Intervention For Cervical Vertebral Hernia:
- What Happens After Cervical Vertebral Hernia Surgery?
What is a Cervical Vertebral Hernia?
A herniated disc in the cervical spine, also called a cervical vertebral hernia,, is a condition that occurs when the discs in the cervical vertebrae wear or shift, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. The human spine, consisting of 33 vertebrae, is a constantly moving structure. The spine is made up of a series of bones called vertebrae that are connected to each other by joints. Intervertebral discs are cartilaginous structures located between the vertebrae and serve as shock absorbers for the spine.
The cervical and lumbar regions are the most flexible parts of the spine and serve as the primary source of mobility. This is why most abrasions and hernias occur in the neck and waist area. Just like a herniated disc, a herniated disc is also one of the diseases that place a lot of strain on a person’s everyday life.
What are the Causes of a Cervical Vertebral Hernia?
The discs between our vertebrae are cartilage structures that give the spine flexibility and mobility. Over time and under the influence of various factors, these intervertebral discs can wear out and lose their function, which can lead to a cervical hernia.
The main factors causing a cervical hernia include:
- Age: As we age, the fluid content in the intervertebral discs decreases and the intervertebral discs become less durable.
- Genetic factors: Some people may be more susceptible to disc degeneration.
- Lifting heavy loads: Excessive strain on the intervertebral discs can lead to a herniated disc.
- Sudden movements: Movements such as sudden bending, bending or stretching can cause the disc to rupture.
- Sitting at a desk for long periods of time: This creates constant pressure on the intervertebral discs, which increases the risk of a cervical hernia.
- Poor posture: Poor posture increases pressure on the spine and increases the risk of a cervical hernia.
- Obesity: Being overweight puts additional strain on the intervertebral discs and leads to degeneration.
- Smoking: Cigarette smoke damages the intervertebral discs and increases the risk of a herniated disc in the cervical spine.
- Weakness in the neck muscles: Weakness in the neck muscles can increase pressure on the intervertebral discs and cause a herniated disc in the cervical spine.
- Long neck: Studies have shown that people with long necks are more susceptible to a herniated disc in the neck.
What are the Symptoms of a Cervical Vertebral Hernia?
A herniated disc in the neck does not always show obvious symptoms. While some people experience mild or vague symptoms, others may experience severe pain and loss of function. Early diagnosis and treatment of a herniated disc in the cervical spine that is still in its early stages can help minimize the negative effects of a herniated disc in the cervical spine. The most common symptoms of a herniated disc in the neck area:
Pain:
- Pain in the neck that radiates unilaterally into the arm or radiates from the neck to the head or back
- Pain that is constant and worsens with any movement of the neck.
- Pain that worsens with actions such as coughing, sneezing, and exertion
Other symptoms:
- Tingling, numbness, burning, stinging, electric shock sensation in hands and arms
- Sensory deterioration
- Muscle weakness
- Loss of fine motor skills
Muscle loss (atrophy) in the arms
How to Diagnose a Cervical Vertebral Hernia?
The MSM clinic diagnoses a herniated disc in the neck area through a comprehensive examination. These evaluation levels include:
- The anamnesis: The doctor first takes the patient’s medical history by asking questions, e.g. B. when the symptoms began, how severe they were, in which situations they increased or decreased and whether the patient had an accident or trauma.
- Physical and neurological examination: Our doctor examines the patient’s neck, spine, muscles and nerves to detect signs such as tenderness, pain, numbness and muscle weakness.
- Imaging studies: In cases where a definitive diagnosis cannot be made through a physical examination or to obtain further information, the doctor may order imaging studies. These tests are as follows:
- X-rays: Provides a general view of the bones and joints of the spine.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Allows a detailed look at the soft tissues, including the intervertebral discs, spinal cord and nerves.
- Computed tomography (CT): Allows cross-sectional images of bones and soft tissue.
- Electromyogram (EMG): In some cases, an EMG test may be ordered to assess nerve and muscle function. This test measures electrical signals passed from nerves to muscles.
- Other tests: If necessary, the doctor may order further tests, e.g. B. Blood tests or psychomotor examinations.
When diagnosing a cervical disc herniation, it is important to consider other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. Using a clinically holistic approach, the MSM Clinic can also carry out additional tests if deemed necessary to ensure the patient receives a complete diagnosis.
How is a Cervical Vertebral Hernia Treated?
MSM Clinic is a healthcare facility that focuses on non-surgical methods in the treatment of cervical vertebral hernia. Our experienced doctors and physical therapists are committed to helping you live a pain-free life by creating a customized treatment plan for each patient.
The non-surgical methods we use in our clinic to treat herniated discs of the cervical spine are as follows:
1) Rest and activity regulation: In mild cases, the doctor may recommend the patient to rest for a few days and regulate daily activities. During this time, it is important to avoid lifting heavy loads, sudden movements and staying in the same position for a long time.
- Drug treatment: Painkillers, muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatory medications can help relieve the symptoms of a cervical vertebral hernia. In some cases, steroid injections may also be used to control muscle spasms.
- Physiotherapy treatment: Physiotherapy plays an important role in the treatment of cervical vertebral hernia. Exercises help strengthen muscles, improve mobility, correct posture and relieve pain.
- Alternative Therapies: Some patients may also benefit from complementary treatments such as acupuncture, massage and yoga. Although the effectiveness of these treatments is not fully scientifically proven, they may help relieve symptoms in some patients.
- Spinal decompression: Spinal decompression therapy aims to relieve pain by reducing pressure on the intervertebral discs. This treatment method can be applied using different techniques.
- Epidural injections and nerve blocks: Epidural injections and nerve blocks can help relieve pain and inflammation by injecting medication directly into the spinal cord area.
- Exercise therapy: Exercise therapy is crucial in the treatment and prevention of cervical vertebral hernia. Your doctor and physiotherapist will create an individual training program for you. This program may include stretching, strengthening and posture exercises.
- Clinical Pilates: Clinical Pilates exercises are a very effective method for treating and preventing herniated discs in the neck. It helps strengthen muscles, increase flexibility and improve balance and coordination.
Surgical Intervention for Cervical Vertebral Hernia:
Surgery may be necessary for patients whose symptoms do not improve despite all treatment options or who have significant nerve damage. These conditions requiring surgical intervention are the following:
- Unbearable pain: Inadequate pain control despite other treatments
- Loss of neurological function: progression of symptoms such as muscle weakness, numbness, tingling or loss of bladder and bowel control
- Compression of the spinal cord: imaging studies such as: an MRI scan, show severe compression of the spinal cord
Two main methods are used in surgical procedures:
- Intervertebral disc plastic: The herniated disc is surgically removed.
- Spinal fusion: The herniated disc is removed and the two vertebral bones are connected together.
The type of surgical procedure depends on factors such as the location and size of the cervical hernia and the general health of the patient.
What Happens After Cervical Vertebral Hernia Surgery?
The course of surgery for a herniated disc in the cervical spine can vary depending on factors such as the patient’s general health, the type of surgery, and the location of the disc that is compressing the spinal cord. However, it typically includes the following steps:
- Duration of hospital stay: Patients usually stay in the hospital for several days. This period may vary depending on the type of surgical procedure and the patient’s general health.
- Medication: To keep postoperative pain under control, painkillers and muscle relaxants are prescribed.
- Physiotherapy Program: The physiotherapy program is initiated to accelerate the post-operative recovery process and help strengthen the spine. This program includes exercises to increase the patient’s mobility, restore muscle strength and ensure spinal stability.
- Avoiding strenuous activities: Patients are generally advised to avoid strenuous activities for several weeks. This period may vary depending on the type of surgery and the patient’s recovery process.
The recovery process after surgery can be different for each patient. Full recovery can often take several months. However, most patients experience a significant improvement in pain and symptoms after surgery.
It is possible to get rid of a Cervical vertebral hernia, and live a pain-free life. Early diagnosis and treatment is also important for conditions such as Cervical vertebral hernia,, as it can reduce long-term complications and the severity of symptoms
