Pain Management in Cases with Cervical Disc Prolapses

Non-Surgical Treatment for Cervical Disc Herniation

The neck is one of the sensitive areas in the human body, as it bears the head, which is the heaviest part of the human body, with an average weight of 5 kg. The neck serves as the connection point between the brain and the body, linking the cervical vertebrae with the vertebrae of the spine. Therefore, if cervical disc herniation occurs, it may lead to certain symptoms, including neck pain and muscle tension around the neck. Although this issue is common and concerning, it can be treated non-surgically.

Learn about the causes, symptoms, and non-surgical treatment methods for cervical disc herniation.

What are the causes of cervical disc herniation?

The exact cause of cervical disc herniation is often challenging to determine, as it usually occurs slowly without a clear reason. However, in some cases, the cause may include:

• Aging: As discs dry out and become more rigid with age, the outer fibrous wall of the disc may weaken. The gel-like nucleus may bulge or herniate through a tear in the disc wall, causing pain when it comes into contact with the nerve.

• Genetic factors.
• Prolonged driving.
• Prolonged sitting in an improper posture.
• Sudden and conflicting movements.
• Lifting a heavy object incorrectly.
• Rapid twisting or turning of the upper body, which can lead to disc damage.

What are the symptoms of cervical disc herniation?

The symptoms of cervical disc herniation vary significantly depending on the location of the herniation, but they typically include:

• Pain radiating down the arm and possibly into the hand.
• The pain may be accompanied by tingling and numbness in the arm.
• Neck pain when rotating the head or bending the neck.
• Headache.
• Dizziness.
• Weakness in the muscles around the neck.
• Pain in the shoulder blade or nearby areas.
• Occasionally, muscle spasms may occur.

Many people may first experience pain upon waking up, without any traumatic event causing the injury. Some patients find relief by elevating their arm behind their head, as this position alleviates pressure on the nerve.

What are the Treatment methods for cervical disc herniation without surgery?

The treatment for cervical disc herniation without surgery varies depending on the type of pain resulting from the herniation, as follows:

• Pain in the arm, shoulders, or neck according to the affected nerve. And it may be accompanied with numbness in the arm. In this case, the treatment aims to address the damaged nerve or nerves.
• If the patient experiences pain due to wear and tear in the neck joint, the treatment may be directed towards the joint. This can involve injections into the joint or applying thermal frequency to the sensory nerve supplying the joint or both.

Generally, the non-surgical treatment methods for neck pain at Dr. Mohamed Koura Center include:

Radiofrequency

This is a modern technique that uses a computer-based device to send frequencies in the form of radiofrequency. This frequency treats neck pain through a thin needle that does not cause pain to the patient.

This procedure is done under local anesthesia and sedation. The patient can return home after a very short period after the procedure.

The patient will experience real improvement only after two weeks. The more the patient adheres to the doctor's instructions and rests at home during the two weeks, the greater the chance of improvement.
 

Cervical Epidural Injection

This is a simple technique performed under local anesthesia. It aims to inject anti-inflammatory substances through a catheter.

This technique requires only a skin puncture to insert the catheter. The procedure takes about a quarter of an hour only. The patient can leave the hospital on the same day.

In conclusion, if you experience pain in your neck, numbness, or pain in the arm or shoulder, you should consult a doctor immediately to prevent the condition from worsening and causing you more health problems. There is no need to worry because at Dr. Mohamed Koura Center, we use the latest non-surgical treatment techniques. Thanks to the grace of God, we have been able to turn dreams into reality with non-surgical medical interventions to solve chronic pain problems without surgical intervention.

Book your appointment on WhatsApp numbers to enjoy a healthy life without pain.