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 cause of a hernia is an exorbitant physical load on the cervical region. 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;
- feeling of tingling and numbness in the limbs;
- muscle weakness, shoulder pain.
In principle, the symptoms of the disease depend on which nerve is damaged. However, there may be other signs that increase with the deterioration of the affected area.
It is necessary to select the treatment of a hernia of the cervical spine only after a thorough diagnosis. For this, MRI, radiography and, of course, a primary neurological examination are used. Sometimes electromyography is used for additional diagnostics, which checks the innervation of the muscles.
It is desirable to ensure the treatment of a hernia of the cervical spine by 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 resolve on their own. Of the medicines, it is desirable to use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs.
It is necessary to additionally treat a hernia of the cervical spine using non-traditional methods, such as acupuncture. And the most effective way is manual therapy. Proper massage done by a qualified specialist will help to remove the symptoms of the disease for a long time. Physiotherapeutic procedures (ultrasound, heating with heat) and special therapeutic exercises are also recommended. Spinal traction is sometimes used.
In order to alleviate pain, patients are recommended a special supporting corset. Sometimes injections into the epidur althe space where the nerve root is located.
If an already advanced form of the disease is observed, which leads to a serious deterioration in the quality of life, mobility, contributes to a long and stable sensation of pain, then surgical intervention is applied. The newest method is laser removal of hernias of the cervical spine. In any case, you can not hope for an instant effect. For all the presented procedures to work, you need to wait a bit.
In the first time after surgery, you must be extremely careful in movements. Try not to lift heavy things and do a specially selected set of gymnastic exercises.
