Cervical disc herniation is manifested by localized pain in the neck and nape of the neck. In which cases do you resort to surgery? What are the natural treatments?
A herniated cervical disc causes pain in the neck and neck, headaches (headaches) and paresthesias. It often follows a trauma or osteoarthritis. The diagnosis will be confirmed by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the cervical area. How to know if you have a cervical hernia? When to use the surgery? What are the natural treatments?
Definition: What is a cervical hernia?
The cervicals correspond to 7 vertebrae which are inserted on top of each other between the head and the thoracic vertebrae. We speak of cervical hernia when there is an abnormal protrusion (leaving its space) part of the intervertebral disc located between two cervical vertebrae. Cervical hernia can be caused by a trauma (shock) or, more often, by a condition of the spine such as lcervical osteoarthritis.
What are the symptoms of a cervical hernia?
Cervical hernia is evoked by several easily recognizable symptoms:
- localized pain in the neck called neck pain;
- headache ;
- neck stiffness and difficulties in moving the head;
- feeling of tingling called paresthesiasespecially in the shoulder and arm, which can go as far as the hand (cervicobrachial neuralgia, generated by the compression of a nerve by the hernia)
Depending on the height of the cervical hernia, the symptoms will be different location.
What causes a cervical hernia?
“The most common causes are trauma which can be acute but also chronic. Road accidents, falls, whiplash are the best known acute causes. The chronic causes are mostly related to bad habits, some physical activities or simply poor posture. osteoarthritis and diseases rheumatic are the other causes of cervico-brachial neuralgia”explains Dr. Ménat, general practitioner.
The diagnosis is suspected by a doctor or a specialist (rheumatologist) after a physical examination. Of the cervical spine X-rays are interesting initially to look for cervical osteoarthritis or a pinching of one or more intervertebral discs. The diagnosis will be confirmed by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the cervical area which will show the protusion (herniation) of the intervertebral disc.
The treatment is based above all on rehabilitation sessions by physiotherapy
Treatment is primarily aimed analgesic (aims to calm the pain caused by the hernia). It relies on the administration of paracetamol Or anti-inflammatories or even infiltrations. “The treatment of the cause is based above all on sessions of re-education by physiotherapy which allow to regain flexibility of the neck, while strengthening the muscles”emphasizes Dr Ménat.
What are the natural treatments for a cervical hernia?
As for natural treatments, alternating hot and cold on the affected area helps reduce inflammation. acupuncture also acts against pain. There chiropractic And osteopathymanual techniques that can relieve postural disorders.
When to have cervical hernia surgery?
In the most serious cases, when the hernia is truly disablingsurgery is considered.
Thanks to Dr Eric Ménat, general practitioner.