Cervical disc herniation happens when there is a compression of the intervertebral disc located in the neck region, between the C1 and C7 vertebrae. Depending on their severity, the forms of treatment can vary from the use of pain relief drugs, physiotherapy sessions, exercises or, in the last case, the performance of spine surgery.
Cervical disc herniation is not always curable, especially when there is a large degeneration of the disc or vertebrae involved, but the treatment can achieve great results and the person can stop feeling pain with the available treatments. Most of the time in case of protruding or extruded herniated discs, surgery is not necessary. See the types and classification of herniated discs.
Some treatment options for cervical disc herniation are:
1. Taking medicine
The doctor may prescribe painkillers and anti-inflammatory remedies to combat neck pain and headaches that may arise from hernias. Ointments such as Cataflan or Reumon Gel are good options to iron when in pain and are easily found at the pharmacy and can be purchased without a prescription.
But despite the relief of symptoms with the use of medications, to really treat cervical disc herniation, physical therapy should be done to prevent the hernia from getting worse, and then the only treatment option is spinal surgery.
2. Use hot compress
The use of a bag of warm water on the neck, 3 to 4 times a day, helps to relieve pain and is great to do at home, before doing the stretches, because they allow a greater range of movement.
3. Doing physical therapy
Treatment for cervical hernia includes daily physical therapy sessions where equipment can be used to help fight pain, improving symptoms and head movement. Also indicated are features that warm the neck region, facilitating the performance of stretches and massages that decrease the stiffness of the muscles.
Manual therapy techniques, using spinal manipulation and cervical traction are excellent options for increasing the space between the vertebrae, decreasing the compression of the vertebral disc.
4. Exercises
Stretching exercises are welcome from the beginning of the treatment and can also be performed at home, 2 or 3 times a day, whenever you feel that your neck is 'stuck' and there is difficulty in performing movements. Exercises can be:
Clinical Pilates exercises that are always guided by a physiotherapist are excellent for treatment, where there is no more inflammation and pain and allows the posture to be better, as well as the position of the head and shoulders, which improve symptoms and prevent the herniated disc gets worse.
5. Surgery
Surgery for cervical hernia is indicated when the patient feels many pains that do not cease even with anti-inflammatory drugs and several physiotherapy sessions. It is delicate and does not mean a cure for the disease, but it can decrease symptoms by improving the patient's quality of life.
Check out these and other tips in the following video:
