What is a neck hernia?

It is estimated that there are some two million people who suffer from back and neck pain. Some neck pain is only short-lived and goes away within a few days with some rest and stretching. For a neck hernia, unfortunately, this does not hold true. The symptoms of a herniated disc usually last about two months. How does a hernia occur? Can a hernia be treated? And what can you do yourself? We answer all your questions in this blog.

 

How does a neck hernia occur?

Our back and neck are made up of a large number of vertebrae. To allow these vertebrae to move, there are a kind of flexible cushion between them; we call these the intervertebral discs. If such a cushion bulges, it can press on the nerves in your neck. In many cases, a neck hernia occurs between the sixth and seventh vertebrae.

Causes of a neck hernia:

1. Poor posture is the biggest culprit in the development of a neck hernia. If you adopt poor posture for a long time, your cervical vertebrae can become crooked. This alone often causes neck pain, but so it also increases the chances of a bulge.
2. Too little strain on the neck we also recognise as a major cause. With little movement, the muscles in the neck are often weaker, so they cannot support your spine as well.
3. Ageing can also play a role in the development of the condition. The cartilage in your body deteriorates and the intervertebral discs become drier due to the ageing process. This can make it easier for your neck to become crooked, resulting in the bulges.

 

What symptoms are associated with a neck hernia?

Although the name suggests that the condition mainly causes neck pain, pain in one arm is the most common complaint. The pain is often burning or sharp cutting and sometimes goes all the way down to your hand. Because the pain is felt almost constantly, a herniated disc can significantly affect and limit your daily life.

A neck hernia can sometimes also cause:

• Pain in your neck
• Tingling or numbness in your arm or hand
• Less strength in your shoulder, arm or hand

 

Treatment and recovery process of a neck hernia

If you suffer from neck pain, our physiotherapist can help you get a diagnosis. If the therapist suspects a neck hernia, we will always give you a brief Send to GP to confirm. We can then guide you through your recovery journey.

 

With a neck hernia, it is important to continue doing your normal, everyday things. Physiotherapy treatment will therefore mainly focus on supporting you in performing these tasks. For movements that are difficult for you, we can give you exercises to increase the range of motion of your neck and reduce your pain. Our manual therapist specialises in problems related to the spine and will guide you during your recovery journey.

 

In most cases, the condition goes away within two months. If your symptoms persist longer, keep recurring or get worse, we recommend you contact your GP for a follow-up examination.

 

What can you do yourself in case of a neck hernia?

So if you suffer from a neck hernia, it is very important to keep doing your daily things without putting too much strain on your neck. The constant pain can make movement a lot more difficult. If you suffer from a neck hernia, there are a number of things you can do yourself:

 

1. Some people use a special pillow or neck collar when suffering from a herniated disc. Although not proven to work, a firm pillow or collar can give support to your neck, relieving pressure.
2. If the pain is too much, you can use painkillers (temporarily). For this, always seek advice from a chemist, pharmacist or your GP.
3. Stay cautious exercises do so that your neck does not get stiff and your muscles stay strong. While doing so, never go over your pain threshold. Below our physiotherapist Bart some of them to you.

3 exercises that can ease your neck pain:

1. Sit upright on your chair. Slowly and gently turn your head to your left shoulder. Try to hold this position for five seconds and then switch to the other side.
2. Stay upright and bring your head to your chest. Hold again for five seconds and slowly move your head back up.
3. Exhale and move your head back so that you are looking towards the ceiling. After five seconds, slowly return your head to a normal position.

 

More information or make an appointment?

Do you think you have a neck hernia or has your GP already diagnosed it? Or perhaps you have more questions about neck hernia treatment? Then our physiotherapists will be happy to help you! You can reach us by calling 085-5000333, emailing info@friskfysio.nl or by completing the contact form on our website.