Cervical disc herniation, ligamentum flavum hypertrophy, spinal canal stenosis

Cervical disc herniation, hypertrophy of the yellow ligament and spinal stenosis may be multiple problems caused by excessive pressure and degenerative changes in the cervical spine, usually leading to symptoms such as neck pain, numbness, and fatigue. Symptoms can be relieved through medication, physical therapy or lifestyle adjustments in the early stage. In severe cases, surgical treatment is required to avoid further compression of the nerves.

1Possible Cause Analysis

① Genetic factors: Some patients may have a family history, and congenital weaknesses in the cervical spine structure increase the risk of degeneration.

② Environmental factors: Maintaining a bad posture for a long time, such as lowering your head to play with your mobile phone or working at a desk, is a common cause of cervical disc herniation and yellow ligament hypertrophy.

③ Physiological factors: With age, the structures around the cervical spine gradually degenerate, including lack of water in the intervertebral disc, reduced elasticity, and gradual thickening of the yellow ligament, resulting in spinal canal stenosis. Obesity may also increase the pressure on the cervical spine.

④ Traumatic causes: For example, traffic accidents, falls or strenuous exercise may cause acute injury to the cervical spine and accelerate the formation of disc herniation or spinal stenosis.

⑤Pathological factors: such as rheumatoid arthritis, which will accelerate bone degeneration and thickening of the yellow ligament, further leading to worsening of symptoms.

2 Relief and treatment methods

① Non-surgical treatment

Drug treatment: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen are commonly used to relieve pain, and neuroprotective drugs such as methylcobalamin can be used as auxiliary treatment when necessary.

Physical therapy: This includes strengthening cervical traction, physical therapy such as heat compresses, and ultrasound therapy to reduce inflammation and muscle tension.

Lifestyle adjustments: Avoid lowering your head for long periods of time, maintain correct sitting posture, increase breaks between work, and do neck stretching exercises.

②Surgery

When pain is not relieved or is accompanied by severe nerve compression symptoms such as numbness in the hands and feet or even limited mobility, surgical intervention may be considered:

Discectomy: Direct removal of the herniated disc tissue to relieve nerve pressure.

Ligamentum flavum resection: Removal of thickened ligamentum flavum to widen the spinal canal.

Spinal canal decompression and fusion: Reconstruct the spinal canal space and improve the stability of the damaged segment. It is suitable for cases of extensive spinal stenosis.

③Rehabilitation exercise and dietary advice

Cervical spine exercises: such as Cat Pose to increase flexibility, and isometric neck contraction exercises to strengthen muscle support.

Dietary adjustments: Supplement foods rich in calcium and vitamin D such as milk, dark green vegetables, and salmon to maintain bone health.

Cervical disc herniation, ligamentum flavum hypertrophy, and spinal canal stenosis need to be addressed promptly. Early detection of symptoms and scientific treatment can significantly improve the quality of life. If symptoms continue to worsen or affect daily activities, you should see a doctor as soon as possible, have a specialist perform a detailed examination, and choose an appropriate treatment plan.