Cervical Hernia Surgery
The cervical hernia problem is seen in a large majority of society. Especially the increase in the duration of working at the computer causes an increase in problems experienced in the neck region. At the same time, other factors causing cervical hernia are as follows;
- Incorrect movement
- Heavy lifting
- Traumatic events
- Stress
- Fatigue
- Incorrect massage applications
- Performing strenuous movements such as constantly cleaning windows and hanging curtains
In the process of diagnosing the cervical hernia problem, physical examination and evaluation of the patient’s total health status are sufficient. However, MR (magnetic resonance) and EMG (nerve test) applications should be performed in order to evaluate the hernia formation.
The complaints caused by the cervical hernia problem that negatively affect daily life can be listed as follows;
- Pain in the neck and back region
- Pain in the arms
- A feeling of numbness spreading from the fingertips to the arms
- Imbalance during walking
- Dropping the object held in the hand or difficulty holding an object
When a patient experiencing cervical hernia complaints consults a doctor;
first, the degree of the complaints and the information about when and at which point the pain started will be evaluated. In addition, muscle strength in the arms and reflex changes will be questioned. In addition to physical examination, general health evaluation, and MR testing, computerized tomography and direct radiography tests can also be applied when needed.
Surgical Methods in the Treatment of Cervical Hernia
In people with cervical hernia, if numbness is felt in the arms and pain control and other complaints do not improve with physical therapy or medication treatment methods, treatment is resorted to with surgical methods.
Cervical hernia surgery is based on the principle of preventing the deformed disc from putting pressure on the nerves and spinal cord. During surgery planning, the location of the hernia is determined precisely. Thus, the procedure is performed by making an incision in the area where the hernia is located. It is of great importance that the treatment process with surgery be carried out by specialist and experienced surgeons in the field. Otherwise, some risk factors may arise, and beyond that, permanent damage and disabilities may develop.
In the surgery of cervical hernia with classical methods, the patient usually needs to stay in the hospital. In some cases, the patient can return home shortly after the surgery. After the surgery, the doctor’s recommendations should be followed completely, and the medications that need to be used to ensure pain control should not be neglected. There are some risks in surgeries performed with classical methods. These risk factors are as follows;
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Nerve damage
- Spinal cord damage
- Esophageal injury
- Vascular injuries
Cervical hernia surgery ends successfully in many patients. Factors affecting whether any complication occurs are the precise determination of the location and degree of the hernia, the choice of doctor, and the points that should be considered after the surgery.
Surgery of Cervical Hernia with the Microsurgical Method
Microsurgery has provided very great advantages for both doctors and patients in recent years. The microsurgical method, which began to be applied as a result of developments in technology and scientific studies, is preferred because of the advantages listed below;
- Minimum level of infection and bleeding risk
- Minimum level of nerve damage and spinal cord damage
- No need for the patient to stay in the hospital
- Short recovery period
- Short surgery duration
- Maximum degree of reliability of the application
The microsurgical method is applied by entering through an incision of approximately 1.5 centimeters opened in the area where the hernia is located. In addition, some imaging techniques are also utilized. Approximately 10 days after the surgery, the patient can return to daily life, and there is no harm even in taking a shower 2 days later.
Things to Consider After Cervical Hernia Surgery
Bed rest should be done for approximately 10 days after the surgery. The surgery area should be protected from traumatic events such as any bump, ضرب? No, translate: impact, hit, or hard contact. Let's render properly. The surgery area should be protected from traumatic events such as any bump, blow, or hard contact. One should get out of bed as little as possible.
Care should be taken in the selection of the bed and pillow, and rest should be carried out in the manner recommended by the doctor. Approximately 2 weeks after the surgery, sitting upright becomes possible. Attention should be paid to the sitting posture. During the first 1 week after the surgery, a Western-style toilet should be preferred.
Ideal weight should definitely be maintained, and one should eat a balanced and healthy diet. At the same time, smoking should not be used, and the exercises to be done should be applied by consulting the doctor.
