Numbness in the Arms Can Be A Sign of Neck Hernia

Yeditepe University Hospital Neurosurgery Specialist emphasizes that neck hernias and calcifications can occur with symptoms such as numbness and weakness in the arm, and if the treatment of severe hernias is delayed, conditions such as paralysis can occur.

Neck Hernia Symptoms

Yeditepe University Hospital Neurosurgery Specialist, who states that neck pain can be a sign of neck hernia or calcification, emphasizes that neck pain should not be neglected. He defines neck hernia as the situation that “the cartilage structure between the neck vertebrae herniates towards the spinal canal due to various reasons and compresses the nerves” and explains how neck hernia occurs: “Neck hernia occurs because the cartilage between the neck vertebrae wears down and causes pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. There are 7 vertebrae in our neck and cartilage structures called discs between these vertebrae. The discs act as a suspension between the two bones. These structures usually begin to wear out after the age of 35-40. As they age, they lose their elastic properties and thus cause loss of movement and pain. There is a nucleolus in these discs, just like the shock absorbers in cars. Sometimes they tear after an improper movement or as a result of overloading. At the point where they rupture, there is the spinal cord and nerve. Since the nerve goes to the arms, it takes the sensation of the arms. Therefore, a dysfunction occurs in this nerve. That is why the patient says, 'I have very severe pain, both my neck hurts and the pain of my neck hits my arm'. If there is spinal cord pressure or if it is at an advanced stage, it can even lead to paralysis in the arms and legs.”

Permanent Results May Occur If Treatment Is Delayed

Neurosurgery Specialist states, “Acute neck hernias are seen in relatively younger patients. Their feature is that the complaints occur after a sudden movement or loading. He/she experiences severe neck and arm pains that can even make the patient cry. In fact, advanced nerve and spinal cord compression can occur in acute discs, and if the patient is not treated with surgery, paralysis can occur. This paralysis can be permanent. The other common condition, which is called calcification among people, and what we call spondylosis, occurs at a relatively older age. Spondylosis, which is generally a process of aging, occurs with the loss of water and wear of tissues such as cartilage and disc in our body, and worn bones and cartilage are deformed. The deformed and calcified structures in turn compress the spinal cord and nerves. A narrowing of the spinal canal may occur. In the advanced stages of this disease, gait disturbance, clumsiness in the hands, numbness, weakness, loss of balance, inability to feel heat or cold, inability to feel the place where the feet are placed, and falling and having frequent accidents may occur. In some occupational groups, especially musicians, surgeons, those who deal with handicrafts, and especially in many occupational groups who work with their hands, people can become unable to do their jobs.”

When to Perform Surgery on Neck Hernia?

Stating that the subject of neck hernia has a very wide spectrum, Neurosurgery Specialist said, “Conditions that cause compression on the spinal cord are very dangerous. There may be spinal cord injury in the neck region due to the compression of the hernia. In such a case, the person's walking with their arms is also affected. As a result, surgery is required in these cases.” Neurosurgery Specialist, who said that the purpose of the surgery is to remove the wear on the spinal cord and to eliminate the compression, stated, “We perform neck hernia operations with very sensitive microsurgical methods. In some cases, we work in a 1 mm area under the microscope for hours. Sometimes some conditions stick to the spinal cord and bring the nerve tissue to the point of rupture. In such cases, it is necessary to work very carefully and plan the patient's surgery well. Patients usually stay in the hospital for only one day for the surgery of a neck hernia which is not severe, and their pain goes away immediately after the surgery. Weakness in the arm improves in the early period. The patient can walk after surgery.”

Hearsay Information Should Be Avoided

Neurosurgery Specialist, who states that the surgeries in this area are not very risky if they are well planned and done carefully, says that the risk of unwanted situations and complications should be well explained to the patients, but that the treatment is delayed in most patients due to insufficient and incorrect information in our society, and patients may suffer for this reason.