Cervical disc herniation occurs when there is compression of the intervertebral disc located in the neck region, between the C1 and C7 vertebrae, which can happen due to aging or be a consequence of the position when sleeping, sitting or carrying out daily activities. day, and lead to the appearance of some symptoms such as neck pain, tingling sensations and numbness, for example.
Depending on the severity of the cervical disc herniation, the forms of treatment can range from the use of pain relief medications, physiotherapy sessions, exercises or, as a last resort, spinal surgery.
Cervical disc herniation is not always curable, especially when there is major degeneration of the disc or vertebrae involved, but treatment can achieve excellent results and the person can stop feeling pain with the available treatments. In most cases, in the case of a protruding or extruded disc herniation, surgery is not necessary. See the types and classification of herniated discs.
Cervical hernia symptoms
Symptoms of cervical hernia appear when there is greater inflammation of the cervical discs, the main ones being:
- Neck ache;
- Pain that radiates to the shoulders, arms and hands;
- Tingling and numbness sensation;
- Decreased muscle strength;
- Difficulty moving the neck.
As soon as signs and symptoms indicative of a cervical hernia are noticed, it is important that an orthopedist is consulted, as this will allow an evaluation to be carried out and imaging tests to confirm the cervical hernia.
How the diagnosis is made
The diagnosis of cervical hernia is initially made by the orthopedist by evaluating the signs and symptoms presented by the person and carrying out a physical examination, in which the doctor performs movements involving the person’s neck to check the presence of pain and its intensity.
In addition, imaging tests, such as X-ray, computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging, are indicated to check signs of inflammation in the cervical discs and the severity of the hernia, which is essential for the doctor to indicate the most appropriate treatment.
How the treatment is carried out
Treatment for cervical hernia may vary according to the severity of the symptoms presented by the person and whether or not there is nerve compression at the site. Therefore, after evaluation, the orthopedist may indicate:
1. Use a hot compress
Using a warm water bottle on your neck, 3 to 4 times a day, can help relieve pain and is great to do at home, before doing the stretches recommended by your doctor or physiotherapist, as they allow for a greater range of movement. .
2. Taking medicine
The doctor may prescribe painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications to combat neck pain and headaches that may arise due to a hernia. Ointments such as Cataflan or Reumon Gel are good options to apply when you feel pain and are easily found at the pharmacy and can be purchased without a prescription.
3. Do physical therapy
Treatment for cervical hernia includes daily physiotherapy sessions where equipment can be used to help combat pain, improving symptoms and head movement. Resources that warm the neck region are also recommended, making it easier to perform stretches and massages that reduce muscle stiffness.
Manual therapy techniques, using spinal manipulation and cervical traction are excellent options for increasing the space between the vertebrae, reducing compression of the vertebral disc.
4. Exercises
Stretching exercises are welcome from the beginning of treatment and can also be performed at home, 2 or 3 times a day, whenever you feel that your neck is ‘stuck’ and it is difficult to make movements.
Clinical pilates exercises, which are always guided by a physiotherapist, are excellent for treatment, where there is no longer inflammation and pain and allow for better posture, as well as the position of the head and shoulders, which improve symptoms and prevent the herniated disc gets worse.
5. Surgery
Surgery for cervical hernia is indicated when the patient feels a lot of pain that does not go away even with the use of anti-inflammatories and several physiotherapy sessions. Surgery for cervical hernia is delicate and does not cure the disease, but it can reduce symptoms, improving the patient’s quality of life.
See more information about cervical disc herniation in the following video:
