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Cervical disc herniation happens when there is a 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 to sleep, sit or perform the activities of the day a day.
Depending on the severity of the cervical disc herniation, forms of treatment can range from the use of pain relief medications, physiotherapy sessions, exercise or, as a last resort, spinal surgery.
Cervical disc herniation is not always curable, especially when there is a large degeneration of the disc or vertebrae involved, but the treatment can achieve great results and the person can stop feeling pain with the available treatments. Most of the time in the case of protruding or extruded herniated discs, surgery is not necessary. See the types and classification of herniated discs.
Symptoms of cervical hernia
Symptoms of cervical hernia appear when there is greater inflammation of the cervical discs, with neck pain, tingling and numbness being noticed. In addition, neck pain can, in some cases, spread to the arms and hands and, in the most severe cases, cause decreased muscle strength and difficulty in moving the neck. See more about the symptoms of cervical hernia.
As soon as signs and symptoms indicative of cervical hernia are noticed, it is important that the orthopedist be consulted, as it is possible that an evaluation can be made and imaging tests that confirm the cervical hernia can be requested and, thus, the most appropriate treatment is started. .
How the treatment is done
Treatment for cervical hernia can vary according to the severity of the person's symptoms and whether or not there is nerve compression at the site. Thus, after evaluation the orthopedist can indicate:
1. Use hot compress
The use of a bag of warm water on the neck, 3 to 4 times a day, can help relieve pain and is great to do at home, before doing the stretches indicated by the doctor or physiotherapist, because they allow a greater range of movement .
2. Taking medicine
The doctor may prescribe painkillers and anti-inflammatory remedies to combat neck pain and headaches that may arise from hernias. Ointments such as Cataflan or Reumon Gel are good options to iron when you feel pain and are easily found at the pharmacy and can be purchased without a prescription.
3. Doing physical therapy
Treatment for cervical hernia includes daily physical therapy sessions where equipment can be used to help fight pain, improving symptoms and head movement. Features that warm the neck region are also indicated, making it easier to perform stretches and massages that decrease muscle stiffness.
Manual therapy techniques, using spinal manipulation and cervical traction are excellent options for increasing the space between the vertebrae, decreasing the compression of the vertebral disc.
4. Exercises
Stretching exercises are welcome from the beginning of the treatment and can also be performed at home, 2 or 3 times a day, whenever you feel that your neck is 'stuck' and there is difficulty in performing movements.
Clinical pilates exercises that are always guided by a physiotherapist are excellent for treatment, where there is no more inflammation and pain and allows posture to be better, 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 many pains that do not cease even with the use of anti-inflammatories and several physiotherapy sessions. Surgery for cervical hernia is delicate and does not mean a cure for the disease, but it can decrease symptoms by improving the patient's quality of life.
See more information about cervical disc herniation in the following video: