It starts with a stiff feeling in the neck. The pain slowly increases until it reaches a point where you are restricted in daily life. Turning with the neck becomes more difficult. There may also be a loss of strength in the arm or hand, or radiation/tingling/numbness over the shoulder, arm and hand. Fortunately, a neck hernia can be treated well with chiropractic.
A hernia is a bulge of an intervertebral disc. This occurs regularly in the neck, but also in the lower back. An intervertebral disc serves as a shock absorber and makes room for the nerve pathways. Due to wrong movement patterns, for example lifting, bending down or a lot of repetition in a certain movement, the intervertebral can weaken and tear. Especially a combination of bending and turning can be very stressful. In the middle of an intervertebral disc is a soft gel that ensures flexibility and mobility of the vertebrae. If that gel bulges through a small tear – for example due to an accident or heavy lifting – it can press on nerves.
The nerves then send a pain signal to the brain to let it know that something is wrong.
A neck hernia is often accompanied by acute sharp pain. To prevent further damage, the muscles in the neck, shoulder and arm spasm to prevent further damage. Unfortunately, this can be very painful and cause many limitations.
Hernias have several stages with a degree 0 – 5. At all stages, it is possible for the intervertebral to press against a nerve pathway.
0. Normal intervertebral
1. Disturbed/irritated intervertebral vertebra
2. Mild tear
3. Moderate tear
4. Severe tear
5. Complete tear
How we can help you
Chiropractic treatments increase the body’s capacity to heal the hernia, helps remove the pressure from the nerve and prevent further damage to the intervertebral discs and nerves and promote recovery. Chiropractic aims to improve poor posture, increase the mobility of the spine and restore the function of the irritated nerves.
This is done by using chiropractic techniques. One of the techniques is chiropractic manipulation. With the hands, pressure is put on the joint and thereby set in motion. The freedom of movement of the joint is restored and the pain decreases.
In addition to chiropractic treatment of the spine, the chiropractor will also recommend special exercises. These exercises promote the healing process, provided they are performed regularly. Together we work on better health.
Neck hernia: the most common symptoms
A neck hernia starts with neck complaints. The symptoms of a neck hernia are different from those of a hernia in the back. This is because the nerve roots in the neck branch out to the shoulder, arm and hands. Despite the fact that the hernia is located in the neck, you can get radiation in the shoulders, arm and hand.
Does it look like you have a neck hernia? Do not wait too long, the symptoms will only get worse. Our experienced chiropractors are ready for you.
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