Treatment Options for Pinched Nerve in the Neck
- Pinched nerves can also occur in the neck. Just like in the waist, a pinched nerve in the neck is also caused by excessive pressure on the nerve by the surrounding tissue, such as bones and muscles.
There are various triggers for a pinched nerve in the neck, for example accidents, excessive pressure on the neck, and the habit of looking down for long periods of time, such as when using gadgets.
Explained by Dr.dr. M. Wawan Mulyawan, SpBS(K), the main symptoms of a pinched nerve in the neck are pain or neck pain that does not go away for more than 4 weeks, tingling that spreads to the hand, the hand muscles become weak, and even numbness.
"In more severe conditions, paralysis can occur, such as a weak hand grip, and what's worse, it can cause autonomic disorders such as difficulty defecating," said the neurosurgeon from the Sigma Spine Brain Center, Jakarta Hospital.
Treatment options
First aid for pinched nerve pain in the neck is to compress the painful area with cold and warm compresses alternately. Sleeping position should also not use a pillow or the position of the pillow should be higher.
The use of anti-pain medication is recommended if the pain is unbearable. Physiotherapy massage can also be done to reduce discomfort. Physical therapy and wearing a neck brace are sometimes necessary to improve daily posture.
If the pain does not go away, and even weakness begins to occur in the hand muscles, immediately consult a doctor.
“If the neck and shoulder pain has been going on for 4 weeks, perhaps there is a pinched nerve. "If the pain spreads to the hand and reaches the fingers, you don't need to wait 4 weeks before you have to see a doctor," he said.
The doctor will carry out a series of examinations to determine what is the cause of the pain.
For severe cases of pinched nerves in the neck, surgery is required. Because if not treated immediately, a pinched nerve can cause various health complications.
A more serious complication is permanent nerve damage, because the protruding pad will continue to press or pinch the nerve until over time it stops nerve impulses in several affected areas.
BESS Method
According to Dr. Wawan, currently surgical technology has become more advanced, including endoscopy using two holes or Biportal Endoscopic Spine Surgery (BESS).
Endoscopy is a medical procedure performed by inserting a scope into an internal organ. This examination allows doctors to diagnose problems in the body without performing open surgery.
“Spine problems now don't require conventional surgery or open surgery like before. "Just minimal surgery with an endoscope with small incisions and the recovery process is faster," he said.
BESS as the latest generation in the field of spinal endoscopy, is far superior to the previous ones. Namely, it has a wider and clearer field of view so that doctors can more easily reach the targeted nerve points.
Even though surgery has been carried out, the risk of pain complaints may reappear, although this is quite rare.
"The risk of recurrence is actually quite small, whether in terms of complaints or abnormal anatomy. The most important thing is proper treatment. After surgery, the neck position must be kept upright by changing daily habits," he explained.
He added, with increasingly advanced medical technology, especially the treatment of nerve pain, patients must be wiser in choosing the right health facilities, treatment, and also the right doctor.