Expert explained: "Working at a desk for a long time is the cause of a neck hernia"

Nowadays, many people spend a long time at their desk, in front of a computer screen, or on a mobile phone or tablet without realizing it. During this time, both the back and especially the neck position can cause back, neck and shoulder pain. Brain and Nerve Surgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Mehmet Çağlar Berk made statements about cervical disc herniation.

Prof. Dr. Berk, who defined cervical disc herniation, said , "Cervical disc herniation is a condition that occurs when the supporting tissue between the vertebrae in the neck, which we call the disc, ages and loses its elasticity, shifts backwards and sideways, putting pressure on the nerve roots and/or spinal cord in the neck."

"Head, neck and back pain may be seen in those with cervical disc herniation"

Prof. Dr. Mehmet Çağlar Berk, who stated that people with cervical disc herniation go to the doctor with complaints such as head, neck, arm, hand, shoulder and back pain, numbness, burning, tingling and weakness in these areas , said, "MRI imaging, nerve conduction tests called EMG and clinical examination are very important in diagnosing cervical disc herniation. Although not every cervical disc herniation requires surgical treatment, it is always beneficial to get the opinion of a brain and neurosurgeon who is an expert in the field when planning treatment. Delay in the necessary treatment can lead to irreversible permanent damage."

Treatment methods

Prof. Dr. Berk, who stated that technological methods are used in the surgical treatment of cervical disc herniation, said, "With the latest technology cervical disc prosthesis applications, both the level affected by the cervical disc herniation can be treated by preserving its natural movement and the risk of post-operative deterioration at adjacent levels can be minimized. In cervical disc herniation surgeries performed with the traditional method, an average of 3 percent new cervical disc herniation risk can occur each year in the discs adjacent to the operated area. Especially for young and middle-aged patients, this rate increases to over 100 percent throughout life when the expected life expectancy is taken into account. For this reason, cervical disc prosthesis application is our primary method of choice for patients who require cervical disc herniation surgery, we provide effective and permanent healing while treating one area without damaging another area."