6 Tips to Reduce Neck Pain

Neck pain is one of the most common issues encountered in daily life.

Neck pain ranks among the most frequently encountered problems in everyday life. Anadolu Health Center Neurosurgeon, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Selçuk Göçmen, points out that some neck pain can indicate a herniated disc. "Continuous pain or weakness in the neck or arm can limit the use of the hand and arm. This situation can negatively affect one's work life," he said.

The increasing use of computers in professional life is contributing to the rise in neck pain. Those working in physically demanding jobs, office workers who spend long hours using computers, teachers, and drivers are particularly prone to neck pain due to the nature of their professions. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Selçuk Göçmen of Anadolu Health Center's Brain and Nerve Surgery Department emphasized, "However, it is important not to confuse neck pain with a herniated disc."

Cervical Disc Herniation Can Lead to Loss of Bladder Control

Cervical disc herniation occurs when the cartilage between the cervical vertebrae shifts into the spinal canal, pressing on the nerves that lead to the arms and the spinal cord, according to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Selçuk Göçmen, a Neurosurgery Specialist at Anadolu Health Center. "Cervical disc herniation can cause pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness that radiate to the arms. In some cases, it can lead to loss of bladder control," he said.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Göçmen explained that in cervical disc herniation, pain often starts on one side of the shoulder and can extend to the hand and fingers. "In some patients, the pain may radiate to the back and shoulder blades, and numbness may occur in the fingers. Weakness in the hand can cause patients to drop heavy objects. They may also lose the ability to distinguish between hot and cold," he added.

Cervical Disc Herniation Can Lead to Loss of Bladder Control

Cervical disc herniation occurs when the cartilage between the cervical vertebrae shifts into the spinal canal, pressing on the nerves that lead to the arms and the spinal cord, according to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Selçuk Göçmen, a Neurosurgery Specialist at Anadolu Health Center. "Cervical disc herniation can cause pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness that radiate to the arms. In some cases, it can lead to loss of bladder control," he said.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Göçmen explained that in cervical disc herniation, pain often starts on one side of the shoulder and can extend to the hand and fingers. "In some patients, the pain may radiate to the back and shoulder blades, and numbness may occur in the fingers. Weakness in the hand can cause patients to drop heavy objects. They may also lose the ability to distinguish between hot and cold," he added.

Patients Can Be Discharged 24 Hours After Cervical Disc Surgery

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Göçmen also stated that if non-surgical treatments do not provide sufficient recovery, cervical disc surgery can be performed. "Thanks to advancements in technology, cervical disc surgery has become much easier. A surgery for a single-level cervical disc herniation typically lasts 1 to 1.5 hours, and patients can go home in less than 24 hours," he explained. He further added that unlike in lumbar disc surgery, cervical surgery does not usually result in recurrence.

6 Recommendations for Those Suffering from Neck Pain

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Selçuk Göçmen offered six tips for reducing neck pain:

1. While working, make sure that the neck maintains its natural position. When using a computer, the screen should be at eye level, and the head and neck should be aligned with the torso. The distance between the eyes and the monitor should be approximately 50-65 cm.
2. Avoid direct airflows, such as from air conditioners or wind, hitting the neck. Protective clothing should be worn, especially in cold weather. After sweating, the neck should be kept protected as well.
3. Avoid staying in the same position for long periods. Change position every half hour and take a 5-10 minute break every hour. During this time, neck and office exercises should be performed.
4. If frequent phone calls are made, it is recommended to use a headset to avoid straining the neck.
5. The pillow used should support the natural curvature of the neck. Avoid using pillows that are too high or too low. Special orthopedic neck pillows can be used if they are believed to be beneficial. When traveling, it is also important to use pillows that support the neck.
6. Neck exercises prescribed for the area should be done every day.