There area growing number of patients in their 20s and 30s with cervical disc degeneration because they always use the smartphone holding their heads in flexion on their way to and from work, and sit at a computer all the time at work.
The cervical spine (neck) is comprised of seven bones, which are separated by cervical discs, cushioning cartilaginous tissues that absorb shock. The typical symptom of disc in the neck is pain caused by compressed nerves from the herniated cervical disc.
The areas of pain differ depending on the location of the pressured nerves. The pain can also radiate to the neck, shoulders, arms, palms and even the fingers. Shoulders and fingertips become numb and you might even experience paresthesia. It is an uncomfortable feeling, and your hands or legs may suddenly give way. If the nerves in your bladder are pressed, it results in urination problems, while it causes defecation problems if it affects the nerves in your anal sphincter.
With the increasing number of people using smartphones and computers for a longer period of time, cervical herniated disc patients are also drastically growing in number. You might have heard of the “forward head posture,” a type of pain in the cervical spine which is common among office workers who sit at the computer as well as among people who love computer games. It is visually unappealing as it looks like the projected head of a turtle. Moreover, it causes different types of pains. It starts with stiffness in your neck and radiates to your shoulders and back. In addition, you could suffer from copiopia as well as hand paresthesia. In severe cases, it might deteriorate into a disc in your neck. Other than this, you could also have a herniated cervical disc from various different causes including damage to the bone or joints in the neck as a result of direct shocks such as from accidents, and compressed nerves due to the disc projecting backwards caused by undesirable postures in the cases of lifting heavy objects and using thick pillows for long periods.
Broadly speaking, there are conservative, medical and surgical treatments available for cervical herniated disc patients. Conservative management includes wearing braces, thermotherapy such as fomentation, therapeutic ultrasound, and physical therapy like massage. Medical treatment includes anti-inflammatory analgesic drugs and muscle relaxants.
The purpose of surgery is to remove the pressure on the nerves of the cervical spine. Spinal fusion and laminectomy are performed to prevent the progression of symptoms. Surgical treatment is the most effective option when conservative treatment is unable to improve the symptoms or delay the progression, however, it should be carefully considered as it has risk of complications.
A diagnosis of cervical herniated disc doesn’t necessarily mean that you should undergo surgery. If only the peripheral nerves are affected, most patients receive medication alongside physical therapy. You need to consider surgery in severe cases where your arms and hands become numb and lack strength. Younger patients tend to opt for surgery because they have minimal degenerative changes. The advice is to correct postures the postures at an early age, which constantly place stress on neck muscles.
1. Place Your Computer or Smartphone around the Eye Level.
You have to minimize looking up or down excessively. What is desirable is to position the display between eye level and 10-15 degrees below eye level.
You are recommended to keep within the waist circumference guidelines.
2. Take a 10-minute Break after Sitting at a Computer for an Hour to Stretch Your Neck Muscles.
Rotate your neck and shoulders in a circular direction. Drop your chin to the collarbone and slowly rotate your neck in circles from left to right three times and another three times in the opposite direction. After that, increase the temperature of your palms by rubbing your hands together and massage your neck with your warm hands.
3. Use the Right Pillow.
If the height of the pillow is too high, it could cause a cervical herniated disc. Conversely, if the height of the pillow is too low, it hinders sleep because of the distorted neck curve. Six to eight centimeters are ideal for the height of a pillow. For people who sleep sideways, eight to ten centimeters is ideal.
4. Delay the Aging Process of Disc
Exercise regularly. In addition, it’s better not to smoke since nicotine and carbon monoxide contribute to the disc aging.
