Hernia of the cervical spine, the treatment of which is mandatory, is a rather unpleasant and complex disease that can have unexpected and serious consequences. It occurs when the disc begins to protrude beyond the spinal column.
The main reason for the appearance of a hernia is an exorbitant physical load on the cervical spine. Naturally, various diseases of the skeletal system contribute to its occurrence.
Often the treatment of a hernia of the cervical spine depends on the signs of the disease. The main symptoms that signal a problem are:
- pain in the arm and neck;
- tingling and numbness in the limbs;
- muscle weakness, pain in the shoulders.
In principle, the symptoms of the disease depend on which nerve is damaged. However, there may be other signs that accrue with the deterioration of the affected area.
Select treatment for a hernia of the cervical spine is necessary only after a thorough diagnosis. For this, MRI, radiography and, of course, primary neurological examination are used. Sometimes for additional diagnosis, electromyography is used, which checks the innervation of the muscles.
It is advisable to provide treatment for a hernia of the cervical spine with various methods: conservative, non-traditional, surgical. The first method is used if the symptoms appear constantly and cause serious discomfort to the patient. Most often, this form of treatment may be sufficient. Basically, the use of all procedures and drugs is aimed at eliminating pain. All other symptoms go away on their own. Of the medications, it is advisable to use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs.
Treatment of a hernia of the cervical spine is additionally necessary using alternative methods, for example, acupuncture. And the most effective way is
manual therapy. Proper massage done by a qualified specialist will help relieve the symptoms of the disease for a long time. Physiotherapeutic procedures (ultrasound, warming up) and special therapeutic exercises are also recommended. Sometimes spinal traction is used.
In order to alleviate the pain, patients are recommended a special supportive corset. Sometimes injections are applied to the epidural space where the nerve root is located.
If an already neglected form of the disease is observed, which leads to serious deterioration in the quality of life, mobility, and contributes to a long-term and stable sensation of pain, then surgical intervention is used. The newest way is laser removal of hernias of the cervical spine. In any case, one cannot hope for an instant effect. For all the procedures presented to work, you need to wait a bit.
In the first time after surgery, you must be extremely careful in the movements. Try not to lift weights and perform a specially selected set of gymnastic exercises.