A hernia of the cervical spine is a serious pathology that threatens with a loss of performance. This is a rare disease, it is formed in only 10% of people with spinal problems.
What are the causes and symptoms of cervical hernia? Is it realistic to get rid of it? These and many other important questions should now be answered.
Briefly about pathology
Before considering the symptoms of a cervical hernia, it is necessary to talk about the specifics of the disease. The only way to understand what it is.
This pathology is manifested in the degeneration and prolapse of the intervertebral cervical disc beyond the boundaries of the intervertebral space. It is less common in a lumbar hernia.
As a rule, it is formed between the 6th and 7th, as well as the 5th and 6th vertebrae. Slightly less often - between the 4th and 5th. Hernias formed in the middle of the 7th cervical and 1st thoracic vertebrae are considered almost exceptional cases.
Usually, people from the age of 30 to 50 are exposed to the formation of this pathology. Cervical hernia for a long time remains an urgent problem of orthopedics, vertebrology and neurology.
There is one more nuance. Since the disks of the cervical spine are smaller in diameter than the lumbar and thoracic, the hernias themselves are smaller. But clinical symptoms appear even if the protrusion is small. Why? Because in this area the spinal canal is narrower, as is the space for the roots to exit from the spinal cord.
Also a feature of the cervical spine are vertebral arteries passing immediately from two sides. Unfortunately, it is precisely because of this that the hernia is also manifested by vascular disorders in addition to neurological ones.
Causes of occurrence
They should be studied before talking about the symptoms of a cervical hernia. The reason for the formation of this pathology is the degenerative processes that occur in the disk. Because of them, it loses its elasticity.
Also, cracks in the fibrous ring are often formed. This results in acute spinal injury or chronic severe physical exertion. Because of this, the disc may even go beyond the intervertebral space. The consequence is the prolapse of the pulpous nucleus.
The prerequisites for the notorious degenerative changes are the following pathologies:
- Osteochondrosis.
- Cervical spondylosis.
- Tuberculosis of the spine.
- Spondylarthrosis.
- Atlas assimilation, sphenoid vertebra, Klippel-Feil syndrome and other developmental anomalies.
- Cervicothoracic scoliosis.
- Obesity.
- Violation of posture.
- Dysmetabolic processes. They occur in diabetes, nicotine and alcohol abuse, as well as ailments that are genetically determined.
- Lack of nutrition of the vertebral discs. Cardiovascular and endocrine diseases, age-related changes lead to this.
- Improper posture. Constant bending and stoop are often the cause of a hernia.
- Mechanical injuries affecting the cervical spine.
- Monotonous work. If a person's activity involves constant sitting in a position with the neck down, then there is a risk of hernia formation. This can be prevented if regular exercise is done to increase muscle tone in the neck.
It is important to make a reservation that there can be several reasons. And then they comprehensively affect the development of the disease.
Manifestations of the disease
Now we can proceed to the study of symptoms of a cervical hernia. They depend on the stage at which the disease is located, as well as on localization. The more neglected the hernia, the stronger the manifestations.
So, here are the symptoms that indicate its presence in the region of the first vertebra:
- Dizziness.
- Noise in ears.
- Severe and frequent headache.
- Nervous strain.
- Insomnia and other sleep problems.
- Irritability.
- Lack of coordination of movements.
It is interesting that the symptoms of a hernia of the cervical spine at an early stage are often similar to the manifestations of other ailments. That is why at this stage this disease is called a "chameleon."
If we talk about the second and third vertebrae, then the following signs indicate the formation of a hernia in their areas:
- Sweating.
- Frequent headaches.
- Panic attacks.
- Sudden deterioration in taste.
- Periodically arising "stars" in the eyes.
- Visually noticeable curvature of the neck in any direction.
- Feeling of goosebumps.
- Depressiveness
The second and third vertebrae are responsible for the blood supply to the tongue, the frontal part of the head, as well as the main apples. If for a long time to ignore the listed symptoms of a hernia of the cervical spine, then the disease will lead to disruption of the speech apparatus. Or even loss of vision.
The hernia of the third and fourth vertebrae, which are responsible for the work of the mouth, labial muscles, and also the upper respiratory tract, is manifested by the following symptoms:
- Visual and hearing impairment.
- Problems in distinguishing odors.
- Trigeminal inflammation. It is indicated by dilated pupils, headache (sudden and frequent attacks for thirty seconds), discomfort when brushing your teeth, cramps of the facial muscles, skin itching, changes in the amount of saliva.
A separate case is a hernia between the fifth and sixth vertebrae. Because in this area the root of the nerve ending is responsible for the yawing reflex, as well as the work of the vocal cords and pharynx. Symptoms of a cervical vertebral hernia in this case are as follows:
- Frequent incidence of colds, tonsillitis, susceptibility to infections.
- Sudden hoarseness.
- Eye diseases.
- Wrist discomfort, lethargy, possibly even numbness.
- Constant sensation of a lump in the throat.
- Pain starting from the shoulder and ending at the tips of the fingers.
And finally, the seventh vertebra. If a hernia occurred in his area, then there is a high probability of occurrence of thyroid diseases, weakness in the hands with impaired fine motor skills, anemia, symptoms of bronchitis, as well as persistent lethargy in the elbow bends.
Diagnostics
The symptoms of a cervical hernia were discussed in more detail above. And treatment will also be described in the future, but before that it is worth studying the diagnostic methods by which it is possible to determine this disease.
The initial stage is characterized only by pain and vertebral syndrome, and therefore it is difficult for a doctor to suspect the fact of the development of this pathology. Radiography of the spine can help establish a diagnosis. Using this method, signs of spondylarthrosis, osteochondrosis and other pathological changes that occur in bone structures are detected.
The hernia itself can be really visualized by CT or MRI. These procedures are required if the patient complains of muscle weakness in the arm. The indication is also the clinic of the vertebral artery syndrome. MRI is an informative and safe diagnostic method, although contrast myelography was previously used.
Also, MRI is better than CT, since this method makes it possible to study even soft tissue structures. And as a result, it is much easier to determine the size of the hernia and how narrow the spinal canal is.
Often, the doctor prescribes electrophysiological studies. We are talking about ENMG, ENG and EMG. Thanks to these studies, it is possible to determine the neural nature of the lesion, as well as how high it is.
To assess the condition of the vertebral artery, rheoencephalography with functional tests, ultrasound scan, as well as duplex scanning are performed.
Drug therapy
After examining the symptoms of a cervical hernia, treatment can be described. Doctors prescribe conservative therapy, since it is quite effective (if started on time, of course).
Initially, of course, the doctor determines the size of the hernia, its location. And then he paints a treatment aimed at blocking the progression of the inflammatory process. Also, the goal is to eliminate pain, due to which the normal functioning of a person is disturbed.
Here are the most commonly prescribed medications:
- Anti-inflammatory drugs - Ibuprofen, Ketoprofen and Movalis. The drugs effectively relieve pain, relieve tissue swelling, and also remove stiffness in the muscles. However, their long-term use leads to ulcers, so the course is limited.
- Means that lower muscle excitability are muscle relaxants. The best drug is Midokalm. It can be combined with the use of non-steroidal drugs.
- Applications that eliminate pain. They are made from drugs such as Novocain and Dimexide. As an alternative, antispasmodics can be used. The best are Spazmalgon, as well as Sirdalud.
- Chondroprotectors - Chondroitin and Glucosamine. They help restore damaged cartilage tissue. Also, these drugs are a preventive measure for further destruction.
With the start of therapy, the symptoms of a hernia of the cervical spine will gradually begin to pass. Treatment also involves taking mineral-vitamin complexes, since during the recovery period it is important for the body to receive substances that have a beneficial effect on it. Vitamins C, A, E and D are especially valuable.
It is important to note one more nuance regarding the elimination of symptoms of a hernia of the cervical spine and treatment of the disease. The fact is that it often leads to neurological problems. And it is advisable to prevent this. Therefore, to all of these drugs add "Phenazepam", which has a pronounced sedative effect. And for the stimulation of the brain, as well as the restoration of memory, Glycine is indispensable.
Physiotherapy
It also helps to get rid of the symptoms of a cervical hernia of the spine, and also generally helps to alleviate the condition of the patient.
However, physiotherapy can only be started after the pain syndrome has been eliminated. This usually takes 2-3 weeks.
After this period, a visit to a chiropractor who performs massage with exposure to specific points of the cervical spine is allowed. The procedure is considered effective if the patient is diagnosed with joint displacement.
People say that the symptoms of a cervical intervertebral hernia begin to pass through two sessions. The general condition improves, just like the mood.
It is explainable. By his actions, the doctor returns the vertebra to the correct position, and as a result, the paravertebral muscles relax. The anxious spasm disappears, the pressure on the damaged disk weakens, and therefore the nervous pinching is eliminated.
Another patient may be referred for acupuncture. During this procedure, an irritating effect on the skin receptors occurs. And they, as you know, are connected with the body systems and its organs. This procedure has the following actions:
- Reduction of pain.
- Increased blood flow.
- A surge of energy and strength.
- Expansion of blood vessels.
- Normalization of the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the cerebral cortex.
- Improving mood and performance.
- Elimination of dizziness.
Standard course - 15 sessions. People who eliminated the symptoms of a hernia of the cervical vertebra with this method, urge not to doubt its effectiveness. Acupuncture can really be effective, only the attending physician must allow the patient to take the course. There may be contraindications.
Orthopedic collar
This invention cannot be told in the framework of the topic regarding the symptoms of a hernia of the cervical spine and the treatment of this ailment. The collar of Shants is shown to the patient without fail. It may seem uncomfortable, but its benefits are tangible. And you do not need to wear a collar for long. If you get carried away, then there will be atrophy of the cervical muscles.
This product helps to get rid of acute pain, restore blood circulation, normalize the emotional background, strengthen the muscular skeleton, and also get rid of sleep problems. Wearing a collar is indicated even with osteochondrosis and cerebral hernia.
Here's what you need to know about this design:
- The collar does not cause skin irritation.
- The shape of the tire does not cause any discomfort. It is made to order, and therefore, each individual indicator is taken into account without fail.
- Increased sweating does not occur. Collars are made specifically with ventilation.
If you believe the reviews, then this device really helps to get rid of the unpleasant symptoms of an intervertebral hernia of the cervical spine. And the treatment of wearing a collar effectively complements. That's just him, like physiotherapy, should be prescribed by the attending physician.
Surgical intervention
If a person for a long time ignored the symptoms of an intervertebral hernia of the cervical spine, as a result of which the disease developed, surgery may be required. It is also indicated if a conservative approach for 12 weeks (maximum duration of therapy) has failed.
During the operation, the damaged disk is deleted. Cervical discectomy is divided into the following types:
- Front An incision is made on the neck (maximum 3 cm) and a disc is removed through it. After that, a special plate is installed to improve the regenerative process.
- The back. It is rarely practiced, since there is a huge risk of damage to the nerve endings.
- Front, without mounting plate. In this case, bone tissue regenerates more slowly.
Endoscopic discectomy may also be indicated. This operation is performed in the case of a single-level lesion of a particular cervical fragment. But only if the diameter is not more than 5 mm.
The doctor prescribes surgery if degenerative changes really lead to a deterioration in the quality of life. When a person’s fingers become numb, pain does not go away, coordination of movements is lost, hearing and vision deteriorate, and an operation cannot be dispensed with.
Contraindications
This topic also needs to be paid a little attention, talking about the symptoms of a hernia in the cervical spine and treatment. Unfortunately, there are contraindications for surgical intervention. And this is a condition in which the potential threat to life is much higher than a positive outcome.
Therefore, it is extremely important not to ignore the symptoms. For if a critical situation ensues, it is not a fact that the operation will not be contraindicated.
Patients may take risks consciously. Sometimes surgery is the only way to avoid complete disability, paralysis and immobility. But with heart failure, encephalopathy, a post-stroke condition, intolerance to anesthesia and severe CNS disorders, the intervention will not be carried out anyway.
Consequences and rehabilitation
To conclude the topic regarding the symptoms and treatment of vertebral hernia of the cervical spine, one needs to talk about this.
Postoperative complications are extremely rare, as modern surgical techniques allow them to be avoided. But sometimes the following happens:
- Damage to blood vessels.
- Recurrent nerve dysfunction (temporary).
- Damage to the esophagus, spinal cord, and trachea (very rare).
- Not fully fused bone fragments.
- Infection in the cerebrospinal fluid (none and 1% of cases).
- Thrombosis.
On the first day after the intervention in the neck, pain may persist, muscle weakness, difficulty swallowing, and nausea can be observed. 2-3 weeks will have to wear a corset, take antibacterial and painkillers. What is characteristic: the pain caused by the hernia ceases to bother immediately after the operation.
In the future, you will need to be observed by a doctor and follow all his recommendations. Each patient is prescribed a personal recovery program. Its observance implies the performance of special exercises, the purpose of which is to contribute to the elimination of intoxication and improve blood circulation.
Physiotherapy will also be needed to help relieve inflammation and swelling in the area where the operation was performed. How long the rehabilitation period will be depends on the complexity of the intervention, the patient's condition and, of course, his age. All that a person has to do is to comply with medical recommendations. And then the prognosis of recovery will be positive.