Our dependence on technology is unavoidable. The use of laptops or computers as a means to work is now very common. Especially by the millennial generation. Incorrect neck position when using a laptop or computer can trigger pain in the nape or neck and tingling that radiates from the shoulders to the hands which can sometimes really interfere with daily activities.
One disease that is often experienced by workers who use laptops or computers is HNP ( Herniated Nucleus Pulposus ). This situation is a protrusion of the joint pads in the neck area which can cause pinching of the neck nerves. Symptoms that can be caused include pain in the nape or back of the head, pain in the shoulder blades, tingling that radiates from the neck to the hands, numbness in the hands, or even weakness in the shoulders, elbows or fingers. At a more advanced stage of pinching, complaints of myelopathy can be found, including balance disturbances, impaired coordination of fine movements (such as buttoning clothes, using a spoon, often dropping things), to paralysis.
In general, the treatment of cervical HNP includes conservative therapy (without surgery) or surgery. Conservative therapy must be attempted first for 4-6 weeks, because 80% of the symptoms of cervical HNP can be lost with conservative therapy which includes drugs, physiotherapy, acupuncture, injections, and improvement of working position. 20% of cervical HNP cases require surgery. Indications for surgery in cases of cervical HNP, among others, if conservative therapy has failed, the pain caused is so great that it interferes with daily activities, upper limb weakness has occurred, and/or there are symptoms of myelopathy.
The choice of surgery for cervical HNP varies. Currently, with the development of medical technology, cervical HNP surgery can be performed using an endoscopic technique called Percutaneous Endoscopic Cervical Decompression (PECD) , which can be performed from the front of the neck (anterior) or from the back of the neck (posterior) depending on the location of the joint protrusion. This technique is a minimally invasive technique that only requires a small incision of about 6 mm , uses an endoscope in the form of a tube connected to a camera and monitor, so that the nerves can be seen very clearly, short operating time of about 30 minutes, can be done in one day care or without treatment hospitalization, and the time to return to activities again is very short.
Patients are often afraid of pinched nerve surgery because they fear that there will be a risk of paralysis. With the PECD surgical technique, this risk can be minimized. For more information, you can consult dr. Harmantya Mahadhipta, Sp.OT (K)Spine , Orthopedic & Traumatology Surgeon at EMC Tangerang Hospital . Practice Schedule dr. Harmantya is on Monday & Tuesday, 15.00 – 17.00.
