2. Living with a Herniated Neck Disc A herniated disc in the neck can not only cause some patients to experience physical pain, but can cause individuals to experience emotional pain as well. If you’ve recently been diagnosed with a herniated neck disc, you may benefit from learning as much as possible about your condition. In doing so, you may find information that could encourage you to improve your spinal health and you may even discover new treatment methods.
3. Herniated Discs – An Overview Intervertebral discs are small, shock absorbing cushions that are positioned between adjacent, articulating vertebrae. Discs are responsible for reducing the impact that is placed on the vertebrae when we walk, sit, stand, and perform other movements and are also tasked with ensuring that vertebrae don’t grind against one another. Our discs endure a significant amount of wear and tear over time, which can cause them to gradually break down. The deterioration of the discs is what makes them prone to herniate, and also explains why this spinal condition is especially common among individuals who have reached or exceeded middle age. Intervertebral discs have a tough exterior shell (the annulus fibrosus), which houses a jellylike substance (the nucleus pulposus). When a disc is said to have deteriorated, it means that the annulus fibrosus has become dry, brittle, and less pliable. A deteriorated disc is likely to develop a crack or a tear, as the body continues to place weight and strain on it despite the disc’s inability to uphold its responsibilities. This, in turn, can allow the nucleus pulposus to seep into the spinal canal, forming what is called a herniated disc. The annulus fibrosus contains several nerve fibers that, when affected by a crack or tear, can become aggravated and cause the patient to experience localized disc pain. The nucleus pulposus contains inflammatory properties that can aggravate nerve fibers, likely exacerbating the pain an individual is already experiencing from the damage to the disc’s annulus fibrosus. If the inner disc material causes neural compression or comes into contact with the spinal cord, patients may experience radiating symptoms of pain, numbness, muscle weakness, and/or tingling.
4. Primary Treatment Methods Your doctor has likely outlined a number of conservative, noninvasive treatments that may reduce your herniated neck disc symptoms. Some of the more popular treatments (which should only be utilized after consulting a physician) are outlined below: Medication – Over-the-counter, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly recommended to those who suffer from a herniated neck disc. NSAIDs should not be taken by those who have certain cardiovascular or gastrointestinal conditions and they may interact with other medications. As such, you should always consult your physician or pharmacist before beginning any drug regimen, even if the medication is sold over the counter. Physical therapy – Working with a physical therapist may help you strengthen the muscles in your neck, upper back, and shoulders, which may relieve some of the neural compression you are experiencing. Some physical therapists employ other techniques in addition to strength training, such as hot/cold therapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and posture modification exercises, among others. Lifestyle modifications – Incorporating certain changes into your way of life can have a significant impact on the health of your spine. If you are obese, for instant, shedding excess pounds can reduce the strain that is placed on your spine. Becoming more active can result in stronger neck and back muscles, which can provide your spine with added support and stability. Quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, and improving posture while sitting, walking, and even sleeping can also help to improve your spinal health. Ask your physician if you could benefit from incorporating any of these changes into your way of life.
5. Alternative Therapies If you are interested in complementing your doctor-recommended treatments with holistic or naturalistic treatments, there are a number of alternative therapies you may want to consider: Acupuncture – This type of therapy involves the insertion of small needles into meridians, or specific points on the body. This practice is thought to increase the body’s production of endorphins and scramble nerve signals, helping to reduce pain. Deep tissue massage – Relieving tension in neck and back muscles can ease neural compression. Be sure to only utilize the services of a licensed and experienced masseuse or masseur. Herbal supplements – Some herbs, vitamins, and dietary supplements may reduce inflammation, ease pain, and promote healing. Consult an herbal nutritionist for assistance selecting the supplements that will provide you with optimal results. It should be noted that, while many patients assert the benefits of these therapies, the medical community has not officially endorsed some of them. You should always consult your physician before adding any conservative therapies to your treatment regimen.
6. Surgical Treatment Before you panic over the possibility of undergoing surgery for your herniated neck disc, you should consider the fact that the vast majority of patients are able to find meaningful relief from the use of noninvasive treatments. If you are among the small percentage of patients who do not benefit from conservative treatment after several weeks or months, it is only then that you should evaluate your surgical options. You may have a friend or loved one who has undergone open spine surgery to treat a herniated or bulging disc. If so, you may have heard horror stories about sizeable scars, lengthy hospital stays, and demanding rehabilitations. These patients probably underwent what is called an open spine discectomy, or the complete removal of a damaged intervertebral disc. These highly invasive operations not only entail accessing and removing a herniated disc, but also require the fusion of vertebrae with a bone graft and stabilizing hardware. These operations typically require a lengthy incision, a considerable hospital stay, and an arduous rehabilitation that can take months if not years.
7. Surgical Treatment Modern medical technology now affords some patients the option to undergo minimally invasive discectomy procedures in lieu of open spine surgery. During these procedures, which are performed on an outpatient basis, the surgeon makes a small incision (typically about one inch long) through which an endoscope is inserted. The herniated neck disc is then accessed and only the disc material that is causing neural compression is carefully removed. Because the disc is not removed in its entirety, spinal fusion is not required and patients are able to return to daily activities in as little as two weeks. Both open spine and minimally invasive discectomy procedures come with their own unique risks and benefits. If you are still searching for meaningful pain relief after several weeks or months, ask your physician if you could benefit from one of these procedures. You may also want to consider seeking a second or third opinion before consenting to any operation.
