The discs in the spine have the ability to absorb the forces applied during both lateral bending and rotation. Especially as we get older, the discs between the vertebrae are damaged and have difficulty in performing their functions. As a result of wear and other negative effects that occur over time, the gel-like inner part of the disc tissue causes the formation of neck hernia by pressing on the spinal cord and nerves, which are composed of strong connective tissue on the outside.
Symptoms and Causes of Neck Hernia
Neck hernia, which is mostly encountered in the 30s and 40s, affects both the spinal cord and nerve roots, disrupting the normal flow of life and reducing the quality of life. People with the following symptoms should consult a specialist neurosurgeon as soon as possible.
- Pain that radiates unilaterally to the arm
- Pain towards the fingertips with numbness
- Loss of strength in the arm
- Involuntary dropping of handled objects
- Problems in walking and loss of balance
There can be many causes of neck hernia, which can be seen in two different ways, acute and chronic. Immobility of the neck and direct exposure to cold are among the most effective causes. Fixing the neck at the same point for a long time, spending a long time in front of technological devices such as computers and televisions are among the conditions that cause neck hernia. It is possible to see neck hernia frequently in the summer months. This is because of the air conditioners. Especially in summer, as a result of suffocating from hot air, going to the air conditioner and exposing the neck to the air blown directly from the air conditioner is the biggest enemy of the neck. If the cold coming out of the air conditioner comes directly to the neck, neck hernia is inevitable.
Sports habits also affect neck hernia. Reasons such as not doing enough exercise appear as the most common causes of neck hernia. In addition, working in a position that is not suitable for neck health, sleeping frequently in a sitting position can also cause neck hernia. In addition to such environmental factors, neck characteristics are also effective in the formation of neck hernia. People with a long and slender neck structure are more likely to have a neck hernia than people with a short neck.
What to Do for Neck Hernia?
Neck hernia can reach very uncomfortable dimensions. For this disorder, which affects life negatively by limiting daily activities, a physician should be consulted first and the stage of the disease should be determined. After the detection, a treatment method is determined and it is very important for the patient to show the necessary will throughout the treatment process in order to solve the problem. However, alternative methods can be followed to get rid of the pain caused by neck hernia by making use of some herbal supports.
The fact that people with neck hernias experience unbearable pain from time to time brings to mind the question of how to treat neck hernia at home. Although neck hernia is an important disease that must be consulted with a physician, there are some exercises that can be done at home recommended by physicians.
When done regularly at home, it is possible to prevent or prevent neck hernia with exercises that will strengthen the neck and reduce pain. Below are these exercises and how to do them:
- Isothermic exercises: These exercises, which are performed standing or standing upright, are performed for resistance to flexor (moving the head forward 3 times by placing the hands on the forehead), resistance to extension (putting the hands behind the head and preventing this with the hands while pushing the head back), resistance to rotation. (The left hand is placed on the temple side of the head with the right hand on the back of the head. It is resisted with the hand and tried to look over the right shoulder.)
- Isotonic exercises: Head is turned to the right and waited for 3 seconds. Then the head is bent forward and these movements are applied 5 times.
If the exercises given in the above figure are performed regularly, it is possible to prevent the formation of neck hernia and reduce the effects of the existing hernia. However, it should not be forgotten that these movements should be done under the supervision of a specialist.
First of all, minimizing the risk of hernia formation by paying attention to your daily life is the best thing to do at home. Therefore, regardless of your profession, small exercises you will do, living healthy, paying attention to your physical activities are extremely important in terms of preventing the formation of neck hernia.
Foods That Are Good for Neck Hernia
As in many diseases, it is extremely beneficial to consume some foods in neck hernia so that the disease does not progress to advanced stages or there is regression in the disease.
1. Almond Oil
Almond structure is obtained by crushing the fruit of the almond tree. Almonds, which have extremely high nutritional values, contain vitamins and minerals that are very beneficial for the body, such as vitamin E, calcium, potassium, magnesium. As a result of the studies, it has been revealed that almond oil has a much higher level of therapeutic properties than other oils.
Almond oil, which can be applied externally for neck hernia, can be used by applying it to the painful area. With this application, neck hernia pain is relieved and softness is provided on the skin. Almond oil is also good for problems such as headache, kidney pain, eczema, cold, bronchitis, cold, flu, as well as neck hernia.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple is a fruit that benefits the body in many ways. Apple cider vinegar, on the other hand, is an ideal herbal remedy for neck hernia, it is effective in relieving pain in the neck region with its high level of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
A simple treatment with apple cider vinegar, which can be found in almost every market, will not leave any traces of neck hernia pain. In the use of apple cider vinegar in neck hernia, a paper towel should be dipped in apple cider vinegar and placed on the neck pain area. In this method, which will be applied twice a day until the pain subsides, a paper towel with apple cider vinegar should be kept in the relevant place for a few hours each time.
3. Rosemary Oil
Rosemary oil, which is in the category of stimulating oils, is extremely successful in relieving pain caused by fatigue, especially in the muscles. Rosemary, which grows in countries with a Mediterranean climate, provides great benefits in cases such as tension, weakness and memory problems, as well as neck hernia.
Rosemary oil, available from herbalists, reduces the effect of neck hernia if applied to the neck area. With the help of a cotton or napkin, rosemary oil can be applied to the area where the neck hernia causes pain. As a result of regular applications, it is seen that the pain is reduced.
4. Lavender Oil
Lavender oil, which also has a calming effect with its nice smell, has a therapeutic content in terms of neck hernia. Lavender, which gets ahead of other plants with its scent, becomes an invaluable medicine when it reaches the oil form. Massage therapy with lavender oil is among the most effective remedies for neck hernia.
In the treatment of neck hernia, lavender oil gives positive results when applied together with massage. Lavender oil is applied to the problem area in circular motions for 10 minutes. This application should be continued until the pain decreases and the negative effects of neck hernia are relieved.
5. Turmeric
Turmeric, which is a good anti-inflammatory and blood circulation accelerator, is also used extensively in the treatment of neck hernia. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory feature, while it relieves pain, its improving effect on blood circulation ensures that the healing process is completed faster.
Turmeric can be consumed in the form of a mixture in the treatment of neck hernia. A mixture of 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder and a glass of milk is heated on low heat for five minutes, then some honey is added. If it is consumed twice a day after waiting for a while to cool, it will be seen that there is a serious reduction in discomfort after a while.
6. Fish and Fish Oil
Omega 3 is a fatty acid that provides a significant defense against neck hernia and many other diseases. Omega 3 is very effective in cell renewal. Regeneration of cells is important to prevent diseases. Omega 3 does the same job in patients with neck hernia.
The richest food in omega 3 is fish. At this stage, it may be beneficial to consume fish at least 2 times a week. In addition to fish, fish oil tablets can also help patients with neck hernia. You can provide omega 3 supplements with fish oil tablets that you will take under the supervision of a specialist. Consumption of fish and fish oil does not completely cure the disease, but makes an important contribution to the treatment process.
What Is Good For Neck Hernia Pain?
One of the most troublesome issues for those with neck hernia is the pain caused by neck hernia. These pains can be severe from time to time and make it difficult for people to continue their life. In order to prevent and relieve these pains, there are various methods besides consuming the herbs given above or applying these herbs to the neck area.
The question of whether heat is good for neck hernia in the relief of neck hernia pain is frequently asked and discussed. It is often recommended by experts to keep the neck warm in neck hernia pain. For this purpose, wrapping a woolen scarf on the neck area or placing a hot water bag on the neck area contributes to the relief of the patient’s pain.
Another frequently asked question about neck hernia is whether it is good for neck hernia. First of all, it should be known that patch tapes do not have any therapeutic properties. It affects the nerve fibers in the area where they are attached, during the time they are attached to the body. However, it is observed that the severity of pain decreases significantly when the relative is attached to the body. Although it has pain-relieving properties, it causes a burning effect in the body. This pain can be very severe from time to time, especially in people with sensitive skin. In addition, it is a complaint by the users that the relative has an irritation effect on the skin.
Neck hernia patients have a very difficult time while lying down. Sleeping position is also very important for the relief of neck hernia pain. The lying position is a point to be considered at this stage. During sleep, you should lie on your side and especially avoid sleeping on your back. However, if possible, orthopedic pillows and orthopedics should be used. Orthopedic pillows provide a more efficient sleep because they support the head and neck and prevent the neck from being tense, while orthopedic mattresses make a positive contribution to the posture of the neck as they allow the spine to stand more straight.