Neck pain is often intense, which is why it is not long before a specialist is called in. Neck pain is often diagnosed as a neck hernia if it is severe, and even more so if the pain spreads to the arm. What is it and what is the treatment?
What is a neck hernia?
A neck herniation, or more precisely a herniation of the intervertebral disc in the neck </span>, is the protrusion of a cartilaginous part of the disc outside its anatomical limits.
What are the symptoms of a neck hernia?
- Very severe neck pain (a symptom that is present in almost every case of neck herniation);
- numbness in the arm;
- impaired sensation in some areas of the arm;
- impaired arm movements such as bending the fingers, extending the wrist, or clenching the upper arm (which movements are impaired depends on which spinal nerve root is being pressed by the herniated disc). If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see a doctor without delay.
Causes of neck hernias
The causes of neck hernias are not fully understood, but it is thought that the injury may be caused by heavy backpacks, bags carried on the shoulders, other traumas, smoking, poor diet, and certain work habits.
Treatment of neck hernias
Your doctor will carry out the necessary tests to identify whether the cause of your ailment is really a hernia of the neck. Once the disease has been diagnosed, targeted treatment will be selected. Treatment of a neck hernia usually takes up to a couple of months. In many cases, patients are prescribed medicines such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, blood circulation enhancers and B vitamins. A neck splint is recommended to provide the neck with the necessary stability for the treatment of neck hernias. The neck splints are made of high quality materials and are very comfortable to wear, the breathable material warms the neck in a pleasant way, allowing the neck muscles to relax. The neck brace does not cause sweating and is non-allergenic. It is recommended to buy the splint in a specialised orthopaedic shop, as it is important to choose a splint that suits the patient. The height of the splint and its volume are important. Only a properly selected neck splint will perform its function perfectly. If the prescribed treatment for a neck hernia does not work, surgical intervention is used.
