How to Determine the Location Where Nape Neck Pain Occurs?
Although it is possible to infer the symptoms of pain to the location of the herniated disc, for accuracy and to diagnose the actual condition, an MRI is recommended. An MRI can precisely show the extent of pressure on the nerves caused by a herniated disc or the degree of cervical spondylosis. If the nerves are significantly compressed, it is advisable to seek treatment promptly. Delaying treatment for an extended period may result in permanent nerve damage and incomplete recovery.
What to Do to Avoid Cervical Spondylosis?
It’s necessary to understand that the joints in our body degenerate with heavy use. The parts that are heavily used deteriorate more quickly. If you want to prevent cervical spondylosis, here are ways to avoid it:
• Avoid Prolonged Forward Bending: The more you bend your neck, the faster the cervical spine degenerates.
• Avoid Using a High Pillow for Sleeping: The higher the pillow, the more your neck will fold in a way similar to forward bending.
Treatment Guidelines for Cervical Spondylosis
The treatment for cervical spondylosis can vary depending on the severity of the condition. When mild abnormalities are detected, treatment often involves a combination of medication and physical therapy to strengthen the muscles in the neck region. In some cases where there is inflammation of the nerves in the affected area, a doctor may recommend injections of medication directly into the affected region.
If the previously mentioned treatments do not improve neck pain, surgery may be another option to help alleviate cervical spondylosis. In modern medicine, there have been advancements in effective treatment methods, including:
1. Laser Therapy (LASER): This method is used when an MRI scan reveals that an intervertebral disc is bulging, compressing the nerves. Laser therapy can be employed to shrink the affected area, allowing it to return to its normal state.
2. Drilling Facet joint, lateral mass the Neck, or Percutaneous Stenoscopic Cervical Decompression (PSCD): In this procedure, a physician clears the path and relieves pressure on almost all of the compressed nerves. According to data from S Spine and Nerve Hospital, a physician has treated up to 6 locations of cervical spondylosis in a single session, resulting in recovered nape neck pain. Many patients can experience a greater quality of life post-treatment. However, this procedure should be performed by an experienced physician specialized in cervical spine treatment.
3. Surgery of the intervertebral disc, known as Hybrid Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (Hybrid ACDF), is used when there is significant degeneration of the cervical spine, or when intervertebral discs are herniated or ruptured cause cervical myelopathy, and it aims to connect the problematic vertebrae to immobilize the area and prevent further issues.
However, cervical spondylosis is a condition that can significantly impact daily life and can occur at a relatively young age. If we take care of our neck health, avoid risky behaviors, and regularly monitor ourselves for the onset of nape neck pain, we can seek specialized spinal care when needed to determine the true underlying cause of the pain.