Herniated Cervical Disc (Cervical Disc Herniation)
A herniated disc in the neck occurs when the cartilage between the cervical vertebrae tears and presses on the spinal cord or nerves going to the arm. Desk work and the use of telephones brought about by modern life trigger this disorder.
Clinical Picture of Neck Hernia
Patients usually present with sharp pain radiating to the shoulder and arm rather than persistent neck pain.
Basic Symptoms
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Pain and numbness radiating from the neck to the arm and finger tips
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Difficulty with movements requiring fine dexterity in the hand and fingers
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Decrease or disappearance of reflexes
Surgical Treatment
The Microdiscectomy method is the gold standard in cervical hernia surgery. The hernia is removed through a small incision made through the natural lines of the neck and the spinal alignment is preserved by placing a "cage" or disc prosthesis in the vacated disc space. Recently, neck hernia surgery is performed in patients who are suitable for fully closed endoscopic surgical treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Does a cervical disc herniation always require surgery?
No. A significant portion of patients with cervical disc herniation can be managed without surgery through medication, rest, physical therapy, and lifestyle adjustments. Surgical treatment is generally considered in cases of progressive weakness, severe pain, or spinal cord compression.
Q2. What are the symptoms of a cervical disc herniation?
The most common symptoms of a cervical disc herniation are pain radiating from the neck to the shoulder, arm, and fingertips, numbness, tingling, loss of strength in the hand, and difficulty with fine motor skills. Some patients may also experience decreased reflexes.
Q3. When is cervical disc herniation surgery necessary?
Cervical disc herniation surgery may be planned if symptoms persist for a long time, pain radiating to the arm significantly affects daily life, muscle weakness develops, or spinal cord compression is observed.
Q4. How is cervical disc herniation surgery performed?
The most common method used in cervical disc herniation surgery is microdiscectomy. A small incision is made along the natural lines of the front of the neck to remove the herniated disc. If necessary, a cage or disc prosthesis can be placed in the vacated disc space.
Q5. Is cervical disc herniation surgery risky?
As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks in cervical disc herniation surgery. However, thanks to appropriate patient selection, an experienced surgical team, and modern techniques, these risks can be significantly reduced.
Q6. How long does cervical disc herniation surgery take?
The duration of the surgery varies depending on the technique used and the patient's condition, but in many cases, the operation can be completed in approximately 1 to 2 hours.
Q7. What is the recovery period after cervical disc herniation surgery?
The recovery period can vary depending on the patient's general condition and the surgical method used. Many patients can return to their daily lives in a short time, but a follow-up process according to the doctor's recommendations is important for complete recovery.
Q8. Can cervical disc herniation recur?
Although rare, cervical disc herniation can recur. Paying attention to posture habits after surgery, performing appropriate exercises, and avoiding movements that strain the neck can help reduce this risk.
