Non-surgical cervical hernia treatment is an approach that does not require surgical intervention and is usually managed with conservative methods. The treatment process includes a variety of methods aimed at relieving pain, reducing inflammation and improving mobility in the neck area. Physical therapy aims to strengthen muscles and improve neck movement, while painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications control inflammation. Non-surgical treatment usually improves the patient's quality of life, but in severe cases, surgical options may be considered if there is no response to treatment.
Treatment is usually successful if started early. It is also important that patients make lifestyle changes to avoid straining their neck and adopt good postural habits. Regular exercise strengthens the neck muscles and reduces pressure on the herniated disc. In the treatment of a herniated disc in the neck, doctors sometimes use methods such as epidural steroid injections or nerve blockade. These treatment options can help to temporarily relieve pain and allow the patient to move better. However, these treatment methods are usually used to control symptoms, and regular follow-up and lifestyle changes are necessary to ensure a permanent solution. If conservative treatment methods are not successful, surgery is considered as a last resort.
What are the Non-Surgical Neck Hernia Treatment Methods?
Non-surgical cervical hernia treatment methods include a variety of approaches to relieve the patient's symptoms, reduce inflammation and improve function in the neck area. Here are the most common non-surgical treatment methods:
Painkillers and Anti-inflammatory Drugs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used to reduce the pain associated with a herniated disc in the neck. These medications control inflammation and relieve pain.
Hot/Cold Compresses: Hot compresses relax the muscles, while cold compresses reduce inflammation and swelling. These methods can relieve pain.
Neck Support (Pillow and Ties): Orthopedic pillows or neck braces specially designed for cervical hernia patients provide support to the neck area and can relieve pain. These supports keep the neck in a proper position.
Physical Therapy: Special exercises are performed to strengthen the neck muscles, increase flexibility and promote correct postural habits. Physical therapy helps to relieve pain and increase mobility.
Manual Therapy: Manual therapy, practiced by physical therapists or osteopaths, involves specialized massage and manipulation techniques on the neck and spine. These techniques can reduce muscle tension and relieve pain.
Epidural Steroid Injections: If the problem with neck pain is in the joints and muscles, injection treatments can be used to relieve their pain and accelerate healing. In severe pain, especially if there is a disc-related condition, epidural steroid injections can be administered in spine centers by experienced spine physicians. These injections deliver medication directly into the inflamed area and can reduce or completely eliminate the pain.
Nerve Blockade: Nerve blockades in the areas where nerve roots pass can temporarily relieve pain and support the treatment process.
Exercise and Lifestyle Changes: Strengthening the neck muscles by exercising regularly, avoiding weight lifting and sudden movements, and developing correct posture habits are important treatment methods.
These methods are generally preferred for conditions that do not require surgical intervention. Successful results can be obtained with non-surgical treatment, but the severity of symptoms and response to treatment may vary depending on the condition. If recovery is not achieved with these methods, surgical intervention may be required.
Non-Surgical Neck Hernia Treatment with Radiofrequency
Non-surgical neck hernia treatment with radiofrequency is a method to treat painful neck hernia problems without surgical intervention. This treatment is usually used to relieve pain and reduce pressure on the nerves in the neck. This procedure is performed in the operating room under local anesthesia. The most important issue that increases the success of the procedure is to apply this method effectively to the appropriate patient and the application of spine surgery in spine centers by teams specialized in spine surgery who are familiar with the anatomy of this area will increase the success.
Radiofrequency (RF) therapy generates heat energy using electrical currents. This heat can be applied to the tissues around the nerve roots, temporarily disrupting the function of the nerves that transmit pain. This is done by targeting the nerves in the neck. This reduces the capacity of the nerves to transmit pain.
Radiofrequency in Neck Hernia Treatment
A cervical hernia occurs when the discs between the vertebrae slip out of place or swell, putting pressure on the nerve roots. This pressure can cause neck and arm pain. Radiofrequency therapy targets the nerves and provides improvement in the following ways:
Nerve Blockade: The heat applied to the nerve roots with radiofrequency treatment blocks the nerves that transmit pain. Thus, pain signals are reduced.
Pain Management: This non-surgical treatment option allows patients to reduce their pain and improves their quality of life.
Low Risk: Since it is a method that does not require surgical intervention, there are no surgical risks such as infection and recovery time.
Fast Recovery: After this treatment, patients can usually return to their normal activities in a short period of time.
Radiofrequency Treatment Application Process
Initial Evaluation: Before the treatment, the patient's cervical hernia condition and general health status are evaluated in detail.
Needle Application: During the procedure, radiofrequency energy is applied to the painful area with a thin needle, usually under X-ray guidance.
Procedure Duration: The procedure may take approximately 30 minutes.
Aftermath: Patients are usually discharged immediately after the procedure. There may be pain for the first few days, but this is usually temporary.
Who is it suitable for?
- Patients with severe pain that does not improve with medication or physical therapy.
- People who do not want surgery or who are at high risk.
- Patients with pressure on the nerve roots due to cervical hernia.
Advantages
Non-surgical: Does not require surgical intervention.
Low Risk: Risks such as infection and bleeding are minimal.
Fast Recovery: Fast recovery process after pain treatment.
Effective: Significant reduction of pain due to neck hernia.
Non-Surgical Neck Hernia Treatment with Ozone Therapy
Ozone therapy is a treatment method used to alleviate pain and promote healing without the need for surgical intervention in spinal problems such as cervical hernia. Ozone is a molecule consisting of three oxygen atoms and has supportive effects on healing processes in the body. In the treatment of a herniated disc in the neck, ozone is injected around the herniated disc to reduce inflammation, increase blood flow and help release chemicals that reduce pain.
This treatment is usually performed under local anesthesia and during the procedure, ozone gas is injected into the inflamed tissues around the herniated disc. Ozone therapy helps to strengthen the internal structure of the disc, relieves the effects of bulging and displaced discs, and reduces pressure on the nerve roots. In addition, the healing process in the area is accelerated thanks to the effect of ozone increasing the oxygen carrying capacity.
Since ozone therapy is a minimally invasive method, patients can usually return to their daily lives the same day after the procedure. This treatment is an ideal option for patients who want to avoid surgery and provides significant pain relief in most patients. However, this method may not be suitable for every patient; therefore, it is important to have a comprehensive evaluation by a specialist before ozone therapy.
Non-Surgical Neck Hernia Treatment with Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy is a cold therapy-based method used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation in the treatment of cervical herniated discs. This treatment targets the inflamed tissues and painful areas that are pressing on the nerve roots due to the hernia by applying cold. Cryotherapy is usually performed under local anesthesia and the cold creates a sudden freezing effect in the body, temporarily blocking the pain signals transmitted by the nerves.
In the case of a cervical herniated disc, cryotherapy applies cold to the disc material or inflamed tissues causing pain, which slows blood flow to the area, reduces swelling and controls pain. At the same time, the cold reduces the sensitivity of the nerve endings, significantly reducing the perception of pain. This treatment method offers an effective option to relieve the pain caused by a cervical herniated disc without resorting to surgical intervention.
Cryotherapy treatment is usually administered in several sessions, with each session lasting approximately 15-20 minutes. Patients can usually return to their normal lives immediately after the procedure, but pain is expected to decrease rapidly during the treatment process. As cryotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure, it carries low risk and is successful in most patients. However, the effectiveness of the treatment may vary depending on the degree of the cervical hernia and the patient's general state of health, so it is important to be assessed for suitability by a specialist doctor.
Non-Surgical Neck Hernia Treatment with Epidural Injection
Epidural injection is an effective method of treating pain caused by a cervical herniated disc that does not require surgical intervention. The treatment is performed by injecting medication directly into the epidural space around the spine (the space around the spinal cord). The epidural injection targets the disc material or inflammation that is pressing on the nerve roots due to the herniated disc and reduces the pain.
During an epidural injection, drugs containing corticosteroids and local anesthetics are usually used. The corticosteroid reduces inflammation and relieves pressure on the nerves, while the local anesthetic temporarily stops pain signals in the area. This reduces the pain and improves the patient's quality of life.
The treatment is usually guided by X-ray or computed tomography (CT) to ensure that the injection is in the right area. The procedure usually takes 20-30 minutes and most patients can be discharged the same day after treatment. Since epidural injection is a minimally invasive procedure, it carries lower risks than surgery and recovery is usually faster.
This treatment can control pain even in advanced stages of a cervical herniated disc, but may need to be supplemented with additional treatment modalities for long-term recovery. Epidural injection is a good alternative for patients who want to avoid surgery and can be used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation and promote functional recovery.
is an effective method. However, it is important to have a comprehensive evaluation by a specialist physician before starting treatment, as it may not be suitable for every patient.
Non-Surgical Neck Hernia Treatment Stages
Non-surgical cervical herniated disc treatment is usually performed with the aim of relieving pain, reducing nerve pressure and helping patients get their daily lives back to normal. This treatment process can consist of different stages, depending on the patient's condition and the severity of their symptoms. Here are the stages of a typical non-surgical neck hernia treatment:
1. Initial Evaluation and Diagnosis
The treatment process starts with an accurate diagnosis. A patient with symptoms similar to a cervical herniated disc will usually consult a neurology or orthopedic specialist. The specialist will review the patient's medical history, perform a physical examination and assess the symptoms. Imaging tests such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or X-rays may also be used for a more detailed evaluation. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, a treatment plan is created.
2. Medication Therapy
In the treatment of cervical herniated discs, medication is usually used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation and control muscle spasms. Depending on the level of pain and the severity of the patient's symptoms, various medications may be used during this treatment phase. The medication is usually used for a short period of time and helps the patient to relax. In addition to controlling the pain, they reduce inflammation and relieve pressure on the nerves. However, there are times when medication alone may not be enough, so it may need to be supplemented with physical therapy and other treatment modalities. While medications improve the patient's quality of life in the early stages of the treatment process, more comprehensive treatment options can be used in the later stages.
3. Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is one of the main stages of neck hernia treatment. Among the types of therapy applied:
Manual therapy: It can be applied to relax the neck muscles and ensure a more correct alignment of the vertebrae.
Heat and cold therapy: Heating pads or cold compresses can be used to reduce pain and swelling.
Exercise programs: Special exercises to strengthen the neck muscles help to support the spine.
Posture training: By teaching correct posture techniques in daily life, the strain on the neck is relieved.
Physical therapy can usually last for several weeks and significantly relieves pain during the treatment process.
4. Epidural Injection and Other Advanced Methods
When physical therapy and medication are insufficient, advanced treatment methods such as epidural injections may be used. Treatment methods used at this stage can be as follows:
Epidural injection: Corticosteroids and local anesthetics are injected into the epidural space to reduce the nerve root pressure caused by the cervical hernia.
Radiofrequency (RF) Ablation: Heat is applied to prevent the nerves from transmitting pain signals.
Ozone therapy: Ozone gas is injected to reduce the inflammation and swelling caused by a herniated disc.
Cryotherapy: Pain and swelling are reduced with cold application.
These methods are used to quickly relieve patients' pain and make surgical intervention unnecessary.
5. Lifestyle Changes and Education
Lifestyle changes are important for the long-term success of cervical hernia treatment. The specialist teaches the patient ergonomic positions and correct posture habits. He or she may also recommend regular exercise, avoiding overload and not staying in a fixed position for long periods of time. These habits can help prevent hernia recurrence.
6. Follow-up and Advanced Treatment
After pain and symptoms have been managed with non-surgical treatment methods, regular follow-up examinations are performed. If pain persists or symptoms worsen, the treatment plan will be reviewed. Surgical intervention may also be considered in cases where there is no response to treatment, but this is considered a last resort.
Non-surgical cervical hernia treatment is often an effective alternative for patients who wish to avoid surgery. The phases may vary depending on the patient's response to the treatment and the severity of the symptoms. From medication to physical therapy to advanced interventions, many options can help reduce the pain and symptoms associated with a herniated disc. Regular follow-up and treatment plan with a specialist physician at every stage is critical for a successful recovery process.
Non-Surgical Neck Hernia Treatment Physiotherapy Methods
Physiotherapy plays an important role in the treatment of cervical herniated discs and is often used in the initial stages of treatment that do not require surgical intervention. Various physiotherapy methods can be applied to relieve pain in the neck area, strengthen the muscles and improve spinal alignment. These methods offer an effective solution to improve the patient's symptoms and speed up the healing process.
Manual Therapy: This method aims to relax the muscles of the neck and shoulders with techniques applied by the therapist's hands. Manipulations reduce pain by increasing joint range of motion and help relax the muscles.
Heat and Cold Application: Cold compresses can be applied to reduce swelling and inflammation caused by a cervical hernia. Cold relieves pain and controls inflammation. Heat application, on the other hand, relieves pain by relaxing the muscles and increases blood flow.
Exercise and Movement Therapy: Special exercises that strengthen the neck muscles help to align the spine correctly. These exercises also increase the flexibility of the neck muscles and prevent the recurrence of pain. Stretching movements also reduce muscle tension.
Posture Training: It is important to develop correct posture habits to prevent cervical herniated disc pain. Physiotherapists teach patients how to adjust their posture to maintain spinal alignment in daily life.
Traction (Stretching Therapy): This treatment involves gently pulling and stretching the cervical spine. Traction can help reduce pain by relieving pressure on the nerves.
Electrical Stimulation: Low-frequency electrical currents can be used to relieve pain by stimulating muscles. This method provides relief by blocking the transmission of pain signals to the brain.
Physiotherapy is an important treatment option in the treatment of cervical disc herniation and aims to alleviate the pain and improve the quality of life of patients without the need for surgical intervention. These methods are individually planned and included in the treatment process and usually provide long-term success.
