There are 7 vertebrae in our neck and 5 vertebrae in our lower back. Between these bones, there are cartilage structures called discs that protect the spine and spinal cord, while also providing support against physical stress. Discs contribute to the mobility of the spine, regulate posture and movement, and help distribute the load on the spine in a balanced manner. Cervical and lumbar hernias are diseases that occur as a result of the deterioration and bulging of these discs. Discs can be damaged due to physical stress, improper movements, or staying in the same position for long periods. As a result of this damage, the cartilage tissue inside the disc may tear and protrude into the space where the nerves and spinal cord are located, leading to a herniated disc in the neck.
Cervical hernia can cause neck pain, pain in the arms, back, and shoulders, numbness, and loss of strength and sensation by pressing on the nerves and spinal cord. Common causes of cervical hernia include using a mobile phone, bending the neck to look at the screen for extended periods, or talking while holding the phone against the neck.
Pain and restricted movement are the main symptoms of cervical and lumbar hernias. The source of the pain is the pressure exerted by the bulging disc on adjacent tissues, especially the spinal cord and nerve roots. The chemical substances released from the damaged tissues due to impaired blood flow cause pain. The pain can trigger muscle spasms through reflex pathways, leading to restricted movement. Pressure on the nerve roots can cause the pain to radiate to the arm or leg, and symptoms such as numbness and burning can also occur. If the pressure is severe, more serious symptoms such as muscle weakness, urinary and bowel dysfunction may also arise.
The most important cause of cervical and lumbar hernias is mechanical factors. Incorrect use of the spine can lead to disc degeneration and bulging. With the advancement of technology, sedentary lifestyles, working in a sitting position for long hours, keeping the spine in improper positions (such as computer usage, watching TV, working in industrial production, etc.), and carrying improper weights are among the common causes of hernias. In addition to mechanical factors, disc degeneration due to aging, genetic cartilage abnormalities, and trauma are also other causes of hernias.
The most important factor in diagnosing cervical and lumbar hernias is a doctor's examination. Imaging methods such as MRI are used to confirm the diagnosis or make a differential diagnosis, but it is incorrect to diagnose a hernia solely through imaging methods. Unfortunately, many patients today are incorrectly diagnosed with a hernia.
In the treatment of cervical and lumbar hernias, manual therapy and physical therapy methods are generally applied. In addition, in very serious cases, cupping therapy, leech therapy, and ozone treatments can also be used as supportive treatments. Each treatment is individually tailored to the patient’s condition and the severity of the disorder.
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