Neck Discs

Written by: Muhammad Arif Rahimi

The cervical spine is the uppermost part of the spine, also called the neck. There are seven vertebrae within the cervical spine. The first two vertebrae of the cervical spine are specialized to allow for neck movement.

The most common and obvious symptoms of cervical degenerative disc problem are neck pains. When one of these conditions presses on one or more of the many nerves running through the spinal cord, you also could develop pain, numbness, or weakness radiating down your shoulder, arm, and hand.

AEPO’s writer/producer has talked to some patients about this disease.

Palwasha, a teacher at Malalai Shaheed Girls’ high school says: “I and my sister are suffering from neck disk. When I am writing something, I feel a bad pain in my neck and I always have a headache too."

Sayed Rahman, a resident of Maidan-Wardak province says: “I am suffering from neck disc. I feel irritation between my shoulders and my hand becomes numb and could not do any kind of works.”

Doctor Sayed Rahman Hakimi, an orthopedist at Wazir Akbar Khan hospital, Kabul city says: “those, who are suffering from neck disc feel numbness in the right or left side of their necks which increases gradually. It might have anxiety and pain too. This pain moves to the last part of the head and could be sensed in the spinal cords. This pain increases and the patient would face more trouble during working; sitting; standing and sleeping and if not treated on time, it might cause the paralyzing of the hand.”

What do people think about the causes of neck disc problem?

Sedeeqa, a resident of Kunar province says: “When I am studying my school books, I feel pain in the neck.”

Samiullah says: “carrying cement and construction materials on my shoulders to a high building caused me neck disc problem.”

Doctor Hakimi says: “neck disc has different kinds of causes. carrying a load on head or shoulders; using a computer more than usual; working behind the desk for a long time; continuous studying; sitting for hand wash clothes; tailoring and using an improper pillow during sleep could be the causes of neck disc.”

How could the people treat neck disc at home?

Sayed Rahman says that when he feels more pain in his neck, he applies hot pack on his neck.

Saima says that she was suffering from neck disc, the physician advised her to massage her neck and she got better.

Doctor Hakimi says: “the patients of neck disc disease must go to a physician or to a hospital for the treatment. If the problem is minor, the physician would advise him/her some exercises and the pain would be disappeared and if the problem is developed, the physician would advise her/him to massage the affected place. The movement of the neck 1-5 times daily might reduce the pain and otherwise using neck collar might be advised for such patient for a short period of time.”