Cervical disc herniation (neck hernia) is a very common condition that occurs when the cushions (discs) located in the cervical vertebrae are damaged or displaced, putting pressure on the nerve roots emerging from the spinal cord. It can severely reduce the quality of daily life by manifesting with complaints such as neck and shoulder pain, numbness radiating to the arms, tingling, and weakness. So, what is good for these neck hernia pains that become hard to endure?
In this article, we have compiled all the details for you, from instant relief methods you can apply on your own at home to the permanent and professional treatment options we apply at our Beylikdüzü FizyoKa physiotherapy center.
Practical Methods at Home That Are Good for Neck Hernia
When your neck pain worsens, some minor interventions you can do at home until you see an expert physiotherapist can relieve muscle spasms:
- Hot and Cold Applications: For pain caused by muscle spasms, a hot water bottle (wrapped in a towel) relaxes the muscles. However, if you have experienced sudden stiffness (acute period), applying an ice compress for the first 24-48 hours reduces edema and inflammation.
- Choosing the Right Pillow: Using medium-firm orthopedic pillows that support the natural curve of the cervical vertebrae during sleep largely prevents night pains.
- Ergonomic Adjustments: While working at the computer, having the screen exactly at eye level, keeping the shoulders relaxed and the head upright eliminates the extra load on the neck.
Professional Physiotherapy Approach at Beylikdüzü FizyoKa
Applications at home only provide temporary relief. Physiotherapy is essential to stop the progression of a neck hernia and solve the problem from its source. At our Beylikdüzü FizyoKa clinic, we follow these steps in the treatment of neck hernia:
- Manual Therapy: Thanks to special mobilization and manipulation techniques applied by the hands of our expert physiotherapists, mechanical pressure on compressed nerve roots is reduced, and joint mobility is increased.
- Electrotherapy: Tissue repair at the cellular level is accelerated, and severe pain is relieved with device-supported applications such as ultrasound, TENS, and high-intensity laser.
- Clinical Exercise Programs: Clinical Pilates and medical exercises that strengthen the weakened deep neck muscles and provide stabilization are the most important barrier preventing the recurrence of the hernia.
When Should Surgery Be Considered for a Neck Hernia?
The biggest fear of our patients is surgery. However, more than 90% of neck hernia cases can be treated with a successful physiotherapy program without the need for surgery. Surgical intervention only comes to the fore in very rare and urgent situations such as progressive and severe loss of muscle strength in the arms (e.g., dropping objects from the hand) or deterioration in urinary-fecal control.
FizyoKa is With You for a Pain-Free Life
Neck hernia treatment requires patience, proper guidance, and a multidisciplinary approach. Inactivity is the biggest enemy of a hernia. With regular stretching habits and proper posture training, you can completely remove this problem from your life.
If you are also experiencing pain radiating from your neck to your arms, numbness, and tingling, you can contact our FizyoKa physical therapy center in Beylikdüzü to schedule an appointment for an expert evaluation before your condition progresses.
