The neck is one of the most important organs of the body that most people tend to neglect. This can be seen from neck pain symptoms, which few people pay attention to regarding what serious diseases it might lead to. Many people like to crack their necks because they feel it makes them feel good, relaxed, and relieves stiffness. In reality, this is the opposite because it is an incorrect way to exercise the neck and only accelerates the degeneration of the cervical vertebrae, leading to cervical spine disease compressing the nerves. In some severe cases, the pain is so intense that the neck cannot be moved.
Getting to Know Cervical Spine Disease Compressing the Nerves
Many people may have heard of herniated discs compressing nerves but may not be very familiar with cervical spine disease compressing the nerves. However, did you know that the chance of developing cervical spine disease compressing the nerves is just as high? This is because the cervical spine moves more than 500 times every hour. Imagine how much the neck moves in a day. This increases the risk of degeneration if we perform heavy or risky activities with incorrect posture. This is especially true for the elderly. In some cases of cervical spine disease compressing the nerves, it not only causes pain and immobility of the neck but can also cause numbness and weakness in the arms and legs.
What Are the Symptoms? Warning Signs of Cervical Spine Disease Compressing the Nerves
- Neck stiffness, difficulty moving and turning
- Neck pain that worsens with movement
- Weakness in the arms accompanied by numbness
- Neck pain radiating down the arm
A key symptom warning that you may be at risk of cervical spine disease compressing the nerves is the inability to turn or twist the neck easily. You will feel stiffness and pain, and the more you force the movement, the more it hurts. You cannot turn your neck beyond 90 degrees. If you experience these symptoms, you should consult a doctor immediately.
Surgical Treatment for Cervical Spine Disease Compressing the Nerves
There are several treatment options for cervical spine disease compressing the nerves, depending on the severity of the condition. If the symptoms are not severe, treatment can include physical therapy, massage to relieve pain, medication, and the use of devices to relax neck muscles. However, if diagnosed with severe symptoms such as numbness and weakness in the arms and legs, this is a dangerous sign that requires urgent surgical treatment. An MRI is performed for diagnosis, followed by surgery to relieve the nerve compression. Currently, an effective surgical option is called Anterior Cervical Discectomy And Fusion (ACDF). This minimally invasive surgery uses a high-powered microscope to remove the herniated disc compressing the nerve and insert a substitute material to fuse the cervical vertebrae together.
Advantages of ACDF Surgery for Cervical Spine Disease Compressing the Nerves
- The surgical incision is small, about 3 cm.
- Small opening causes less pain, less blood loss, and a high success rate.
- Reduces complications during surgery.
- Faster recovery, reducing the cost of convalescence.
- Quick healing, earlier discharge, and faster return to normal activities.
Change These Behaviors to Improve the Health and Strength of Your Cervical Spine
Since the main cause of cervical spine degeneration comes from behavior and usage, adjusting daily habits and posture to be hygienic will help reduce the risk of cervical spine disease compressing the nerves. The following behaviors should be avoided to lower the risk:
- Stop sitting in front of the computer in the same position for long periods without changing posture.
- Avoid using pillows that are too high or stop using high pillows to reduce neck strain.
- When walking, sitting, or running, keep your neck and head straight without frequently bending or tilting your head.
- Avoid bending your head down to read or perform activities for long periods; instead, raise the book to eye level.
- The car seat should not be too far from the steering wheel because tensing the neck and shoulders while driving increases neck strain.
The “neck” is an important organ in our lives. Imagine if we cannot turn our necks easily and every time we turn it hurts, how can we live happily? Therefore, it is important to change behaviors, regularly exercise the neck to keep it strong, and monitor for abnormal symptoms to protect ourselves from cervical spine disease compressing the nerves. With a strong body, we can live happily, work, fulfill our duties, and pursue our dreams and goals to the fullest.
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Dr. Teerachai Phanitpong
Neurosurgeon and Spine Surgeon
Phyathai 3 Hospital
