It was stated that neck pain, which especially affects the working class, is an important problem encountered in all age groups. Medicana Bahçelievler Hospital Brain Nerve and Spine Surgery Specialist Op. Dr. Selçuk Gözcü pointed out that one in every three people complains of neck pain at least once in their life, and said that the most important cause of neck pain is cervical disc herniation and made important warnings.
Op.Dr. Selçuk Gözcü said that neck pain occurs as a result of the deterioration of the bones called vertebrae that form the cervical spine, joints, discs located between the vertebrae, and the muscles and ligaments around the spine. Gözcü said, “Neck pain, which is one of the negativities brought by modern life, is caused by many reasons such as cervical disc herniation, disc degeneration, calcification in the cervical spine, myofascial pain syndromes, rheumatism, osteoporosis, bad posture and abuse of the neck and repetitive stress-related injuries. The most common cause of neck pain.” “The important reason is neck hernias,” he said.
“PAINS IN THE ARMS AND FINGERS MAY BE DUE TO A NECK HERNIA”
Stating that the most important symptom of cervical disc herniation is pain, Medicana Bahçelievler Hospital Brain Nerve and Spine Surgery Specialist Op. Dr. Selçuk Gözcü stated that neck and back pain are at the forefront in the initial period of the disease. Gözcü said, “As the event progresses, as a result of the degenerating disc pressing on the nerves, pain and numbness occur in the arms, down to the fingers.”
“After a while, a decrease in strength begins due to the pressure on the nerve. In advanced untreated cases, when the spinal cord is under pressure, a very dangerous period begins, such as weakness in the legs and urinary incontinence. The definitive diagnosis of the disease is made by examination and MRI examination.
“SURGERY METHOD IS APPLIED IN AVERAGE 1 IN 10 PATIENTS FOR TREATMENT”
Contrary to popular belief, surgical treatment for cervical disc herniation is seen as a last resort. For the majority of patients, bed rest, medication or physical therapy are sufficient. If there is severe pain in the initial period, rest and medications are given. When the pain subsides, a Physical Therapy program is recommended. A neck brace can be given for short-term use, especially in cases of acute neck injuries. However, using a neck brace for a long time is not recommended as it will weaken the neck muscles.
Surgical method is used in the treatment of cervical disc herniation in approximately 1 in 10 patients. Surgical treatment only; “It is applied to patients with cervical disc herniations that put pressure on the arm nerves and spinal cord, causing progressive loss of muscle strength, sensory impairment and loss of reflexes, to patients whose complaints persist despite treatment, to those with spinal fractures and spinal shift, and to those with serious spinal cord and nerve pressure.”
“THE PURPOSE OF SURGICAL TREATMENT IN CERVICAL HERNIA IS TO DESTROY THE HERNIA”
OP said that when surgical treatment is preferred, the surgery is performed from the front of the neck, usually through a 4-5 centimeter incision on the right side. Dr. Gözcü: “Using the surgical microscope, the herniated disc material is removed and the nerves are relieved by opening the bones around the nerves going to the arms. The purpose of surgical treatment in cervical hernia is to eliminate the pressure on the spinal cord and nerve tissue. In other words, to destroy the hernia. As a result, the patient experiences pain and numbness in the arm.” “Surgical operations performed today can provide a definitive solution to neck hernia,” he said.
“IMPORTANT TIPS TO GET RID OF NECK PAIN”
Medicana Bahçelievler Hospital Brain Nerve and Spine Surgery Specialist Op. Dr. Selçuk Gözcü listed the ways to get rid of neck pain, one of the leading health problems of the modern age, as follows:
“If you work at a desk, sit on a chair with arm support, with your shoulders back and your feet touching the ground. Support your back and waist from behind. Provide support for your neck with a pillow. Stand up by sliding forward from the chair. Using the computer for a long time, reading books and newspapers, Avoid watching television. If you are going to pick up something from a height, try to get close to that height by using the stairs. Avoid sudden and harsh movements. Wear comfortable and non-tightening clothes, especially when working. Take short breaks while sitting at the table and stand up. Do short walking and stretching exercises. Do a lot of exercises. “Do not sleep with a thick pillow, do not lean your head on the arm of the sofa while watching television and fall asleep. Also, do not talk by squeezing the phone receiver between your shoulder and horn. Do not forget to swim for your spine health.”