Any pressure on the spine can cause damage. Lifting heavy objects, improper sitting postures, and keeping the head down for extended periods can contribute to cervical disc herniation. Individuals with neck stiffness are at a higher risk of developing this condition.

• • • Patients with cervical disc herniation often experience joint pain, burning sensations, numbness, or tingling in the hands. The location of the pain varies depending on which disc is herniated and which nerve is affected.

• • • • When reading, keep your reading material elevated. Stand up every 30 minutes while working.

      • Do not lift objects weighing more than one kilogram. Keep objects close to your body when lifting them.

      • Walking is allowed starting the day after surgery, and activity levels should gradually increase based on tolerance.

      • Avoid using your mobile phone unless necessary.

      • While driving and sleeping, use a soft foam cervical collar. Rest on a firm mattress with an orthopedic pillow at a height that aligns the head and neck with the body. Both prolonged immobility and excessive activity that strains the muscles can be harmful.

      • Never sleep on your stomach. When getting out of bed, first turn onto your side, then lower your legs off the bed, sit up, and stand. Follow the reverse steps when lying down. You can support your head with one hand while changing positions to reduce pressure on the neck.

      • Avoid exposing the wound to water for at least five days after surgery.

      • Postoperative pain at the surgical site is normal for several weeks. If radiating pain in the arms has decreased or improved, it indicates a successful surgery. The surgical site pain will gradually subside. However, tingling in the hands may persist from before the surgery or appear after surgery, requiring one to two months for improvement.

• • • • Take your medications as prescribed. If you are taking anti-inflammatory drugs, take them with food, and inform your doctor if you experience blurred vision or ringing in the ears.

      • Consult your doctor before starting physical therapy or exercise.

      • Perform prayers while seated at a desk, raising the prayer stone to your forehead.

      • Eat foods rich in vitamin C and protein

• • • • Driving, standing, or sitting for more than 30 minutes at a time.

      • Bending your neck. If necessary, straighten it periodically. Adjust your chair height or raise your desk to avoid excessive neck flexion.

      • Wearing inappropriate footwear; use shoes with medium-height heels

• • • • 1. Take your medications on time.

        2. Check the movement, sensation, and color of fingers and toes, especially the hands.

        3. Use a chair when sitting.

        4. Consume milk and dairy products.

        5. Use a Western-style toilet and prevent constipation.

        6. Keep the stitches clean and dry, covering them with a dressing. Change the dressing daily.

        7. After cervical disc surgery, wear a cervical collar continuously for six weeks.

        8. Avoid bending the neck forward or backward and refrain from rotating it.

        9. Avoid sleeping on your stomach. Keep your head in a stable position and refrain from using too many pillows, as they may cause unintended neck bending.

        10. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:

        • Fever

        • Chills

        • Redness or discharge from the surgical site

        • Increased pain

        11. Wash your neck twice a day with mild soap.

        12. Always wear your cervical collar unless advised otherwise by your doctor. When removing it, keep your neck stable.

        13. Avoid driving until permitted by your doctor. Refrain from long car trips, as the vibrations can negatively affect the spinal cord.

        14. When looking from side to side, move your entire upper body along with your neck. The neck should always remain in a stable position.

• • • • Any discharge from the surgical site

      • Unusual swelling at the surgical site, hands, or feet

      • Persistent fever for more than two days

      • Severe headache

      • Allergic reactions to medication, such as itching, redness, or gastrointestinal symptoms

      • Difficulty urinating or loss of bladder control

      • Severe and progressive arm pain, especially if accompanied by weakness or difficulty walking

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