Cervical Hernia Can Be Confused with Cervical Kyphosis

The symptoms of cervical kyphosis and cervical disk hernia are very similar. Brain and Nerve Surgery Specialist stated that 7 out of 10 people experience neck pain in a certain period of their lives and said that not every neck pain indicates a cervical hernia, and the source of the pain may be cervical kyphosis alone. 
Although it is thought that neck pain, which is one of the most common pains, is mostly caused by hernia. In fact, there are many reasons ranging from bone muscle pain to reflected pains in the cardiovascular system. Brain and Nerve Surgery Specialist said that the cause of neck pain may be only cervical kyphosis without accompanying a hernia and that separating the two is extremely important in treatment planning. According to the information provided by the Brain and Neurosurgery Specialist, most of their pain is caused by muscle, bone, connective tissue, or posture disorders. However, infections can be caused by tumor-related pain and reflected pain in the cardiovascular system. The pain in the neck area is not only limited to the neck area but headaches can also be seen in the form of back pain or shoulder pain.

Do We Leave Ourselves Open To Cervical Kyphosis? 

Reminding that the increase in technological opportunities and sedentary life cause many people to experience neck pain today, Brain and Neurosurgery Specialist also added: "Especially in the days when we stay at home due to Covid-19, working at a desk constantly, spending a long time on the phone, and decreased mobility increased neck pain complaints 2-3 times." Standing with the head constantly tilted forward during daily activities invites the problem of cervical kyphosis. Especially if the table layout is not arranged to maintain the natural posture of the neck, if the person is constantly in the wrong position at the computer and working for a long time if intensive time is spent on the phone, if our inappropriate posture and physical activity are reduced, neck pain will be inevitable. Apart from these reasons,  cervical kyphosis can also be seen due to reasons such as cervical disc hernia, neck arthritis, and congenital disorders."

Do Exercises To Strengthen Neck Muscles

Our expert stated the most effective treatment for neck flattening is to rest the neck area intermittently if there is no organic cause such as cervical disc hernia or neck arthritis underneath, “For example, if the desk is working at work or spending a too long time on the phone, the neck area should be rested intermittently. In addition, it should always be kept in mind to maintain the natural neck posture in the working environment and daily life activities. Making exercise a habit will help strengthen the neck muscles of the person with neck flattening and reduce the spasm that occurs. Therefore, we need to introduce exercise into our lives, even if it is simple.”

Do Not Misuse The Pillow!

Stating that the natural posture of the neck should not be disturbed while sleeping, the Brain and Neurosurgeon Specialist gave the following information about what to pay attention to when lying down: “The person experiencing neck pain should pay attention to his/her pillow. Using the pillow in the wrong position leads to a deterioration of the normal posture of the neck, pushing the head forward and therefore flattening the neck. The pillow should be used to support the back of the neck and from the neck area to the middle of the back. When lying on the side, care should be taken to ensure that the pillow fills the cavity of the neck in the same way.”

Is Surgery Necessary?

Stating that neck flattening is not usually treated with surgery, that they recommend lifestyle changes and exercise to patients, and that successful results are obtained with physical therapy and drug treatment, Yeditepe University Hospitals Brain and Neurosurgery Specialist stated that surgery is not recommended for every patient in cervical hernias. “We do not operate on every patient in cervical disc hernia as in herniated disc. It is important for us that the patient has additional complaints other than pain or that the pain does not regress with medication. If there is numbness and loss of muscle strength in the arm of the patient if there is an imbalance while walking if the complaints cannot be regressed despite the exercise and drug treatment we give. If cervical hernia, calcification, and tumor are detected in the MRI examination of this patient, surgery is considered."
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