Neck Pain Treatment: Modern Solutions Against Hernia and Flattening
One of today's most common complaints neck pain, is no longer just a problem of advanced age. Working at a desk for long hours, looking at computer, tablet and smartphone screens at the wrong angle, non-ergonomic conditions and stress directly threaten our spinal health. This situation, neck flattening (decrease in cervical lordosis) and in progressive cases neck hernia (cervical disc herniation), which can lead to serious mechanical problems.
What is Neck Flattening and Herniated Neck?
Our neck has a slight “C” shaped curve (lordosis) when viewed from the side. This curve balances the weight of the head. Neck flattening, is when this natural curve is lost and the spine becomes flat. This leads to constant muscle tension, unbalanced weight of the head on the spinal discs and chronic pain.
If this posture disorder is left untreated, excessive pressure on the discs neck hernia can cause a hernia. A hernia is when the disc between the vertebrae bulges and presses on the nerve roots going to the arm. In this case, the pain does not only remain in the neck; serious symptoms such as numbness, tingling, burning and, in advanced cases, loss of strength may occur, spreading to the shoulder, arm, hand and fingers.
What are the Main Causes of Neck Pain?
The neck is a sensitive area that carries the weight of our head and is highly mobile. The vast majority of pain is caused by “mechanical” causes:
- Posture Disorders (Posture): The constant forward tilt of the head, especially when using a computer or phone at a desk (Tekst Neck Syndrome), puts excessive strain on the cervical vertebrae.
- Muscle Spasms DaStress, fatigue or sudden movements can lead to tension in the neck muscles and painful trigger points.
- Herniated Neck (Cervical Disc Hernia): This is when the discs between the vertebrae wear out and protrude, pressing on the nerve roots going to the arms. In addition to pain, this can cause numbness, tingling and loss of strength in the arms.
- Calcification (Degeneration): Wear and tear on the joints of the spine with age.
Effective Methods for Neck Pain Treatment
Before starting treatment for neck pain, the source of the problem (muscle, joint, hernia, pinched nerve) should be accurately identified through a detailed physical examination. The aim of an effective treatment is not only to relieve the pain, but also to restore the normal mobility of the neck and prevent the problem from recurring.
In our clinic, we use evidence-based and modern physical therapy methods with a holistic approach in the treatment of neck pain:
Manual Therapy These are completely manual mobilization and manipulation techniques that target locking and movement restrictions in the cervical vertebrae. With this method, joints are relieved and pressure on the nerves is reduced.
Dry Needling (IMS): It targets stubborn, painful trigger points in the neck and back muscles, instantly resolving muscle spasm and increasing blood circulation in the area.
Therapeutic Exercise: It is the most important factor that ensures that the treatment is permanent. With strengthening and stretching exercises planned specifically for the patient, the endurance of the neck muscles is increased and posture is corrected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hayır. Boyun ağrılarının çok büyük bir kısmı (%90'a yakını) "mechanical neck pain" category. This condition is usually caused by muscle spasms, joint locking, poor posture, stress or neck flattening. A cervical herniated disc is a condition in which the disc between the vertebrae bulges and presses on the nerve to the arm, and accounts for a smaller proportion of the pain.
The most typical and distinctive symptom of a cervical hernia, neck pain with pain radiating into the arm, shoulder or fingers, numbness, tingling or loss of strength. While mechanical pain is usually concentrated in the neck, neck and back, hernia pain is characterized by radiation along the nerve line into the arm (cervical radiculopathy).
The following symptoms ("Red Flags") may indicate a serious underlying problem (such as infection, tumor, spinal cord compression or trauma) and emergency medical assistance requires:
The pain is accompanied by high fever, night sweats or unexplained weight loss.
Severe and sudden onset of headache (especially the description "the worst headache of my life").
Sudden and progressive loss of strength in the arms or legs, loss of skills (inability to button buttons, etc.).
Difficulty walking or loss of balance.
Decreased control of urine or stool.
Pain that starts after a severe accident or fall.
The main branch to be consulted first in neck pain complaints Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation (FTR) specialist physician. The PTR physician clearly diagnoses the source of your pain (mechanical pain, hernia, flattening, etc.) with a detailed examination (and, if necessary, examinations such as MRI). In cases that do not require surgery, he/she will plan the treatment; in case of an operative condition, he/she will refer you to the Department of Neurosurgery (Neurosurgery).
Yes, these methods are highly effective, especially for mechanical neck pain and non-surgical treatment of cervical herniated discs:
Manual Therapy It targets locking and movement limitations in the cervical vertebrae. Special manual maneuvers increase the mobility of the joints and relieve pressure on the nerves.
Dry Needling It targets stubborn muscle spasms (pain or trigger points). With drug-free injections, these spasms are instantly resolved, blood circulation is increased and pain is rapidly reduced.
Use of neck collars, very acute and severe painful periods to rest the neck (e.g. after trauma or a severe hernia attack) very short duration (1-3 days) can be used on doctor's advice. However long-term use of neck collars is not recommended, This is because it can cause the neck muscles to become lazy and weak, delaying recovery and making the problem chronic.
Boyun düzleşmesi (servikal lordoz kaybı), boynun normalde olması gereken "C" şeklindeki hafif kavisini kaybetmesidir. Bu durum, %99 oranında kötü duruşa (özellikle başın öne eğik kullanımı) bağlı olarak gelişen bir is the result, is not a disease. The treatment is to correct the underlying muscle imbalance and posture disorder. Manual therapy, dry needling and especially posture exercises the neck can be restored to its normal anatomical posture.