Beware of Waist and Neck Hernias!

Physiotherapist Vedat Ülker gave information on the subject. Today, as a result of sedentary life, stress, nutrition problems, sleep problems, intensive phone-computer use, weakness, flexibility problems and wrong movements, waist, neck and back hernias occur. .

The spine consists of 33 bones stacked on top of each other, intervertebral discs, ligaments and muscles between them. Our spine is a vital structure that connects our head and hips and makes joints with our ribs. When hernias in the spine are not treated early, they cause very important problems that reduce the quality of life. In neck hernias (between C1-C7), there may be pains around the neck, back, shoulders and scapula, loss of sensation in the arms or hands, numbness or electrification. In addition, when the pressure on the nerve continues, there is a loss of strength in the arms and hands. In advanced cases, the patient may not even be able to hold a glass. If the hernia progresses, pain, numbness and pulling sensation may progress to such an extent that it does not put the patient to sleep or wakes him from sleep. The person does not like the pillow, he tries to relax by constantly changing the sleeping position and arm position in order to sleep. All or some of these symptoms may be present in patients. In lumbar hernias (L1-L5), pain spreading to the waist, hips or legs, numbness, not being able to sit for a long time, not being able to stand for a long time, not being able to walk for a long time and loss of strength are experienced. Hernias in the spine are diagnosed by the physician with physical examination and MRI examination. Hernia is only one of more than 100 problems that may occur in the spine. Therefore, making a precise and clear diagnosis is a prerequisite for the selection of the treatment to be applied.

Not all hernias cause pain, and not every hernia is the cause of pain. In the light of the diagnosis made by the physician, muscle evaluations, strength tests, posture analyzes, shortness-flexibility checks to be made by physiotherapists are also very important. Between 95% and 97% of hernias are treated without surgery. When the muscles in the body reach sufficient strength, flexibility and tension problems are eliminated, and spinal dysfunctions are regulated, the hernia heals to a great extent. The most important point here is to get the right diagnosis and to start the right physiotherapy methods with the guidance of the physician. Treatment should be started before the hernia progresses and reaches the surgical level. Unconscious massages to patients, applications such as pushing and pulling in places under the stairs, wrong sports done in unqualified places advance the disease.

Manual therapy, medical massage, clinical exercises, electrotherapy applications, daily life arrangements have a very important place in hernia treatments.