Can cervical disc herniation cause insomnia?

Cervical disc herniation may be closely linked to insomnia, with multifaceted reasons behind this condition. On the one hand, the protruding cervical disc may compress the nerves in the neck, triggering pain in the neck and shoulders. This pain can activate the sympathetic nervous system, thereby disrupting normal sleep patterns and causing insomnia. In particular, when cervical spondylosis is present, the compressed spinal cord may lead to abnormal perception in the genital area, which is also one of the factors causing insomnia.

On the other hand, patients may experience increased psychological burden and fall into a state of excessive anxiety due to concerns about the potential deterioration of cervical spine conditions. Long-term psychological stress can affect the autonomic nervous system, leading to sleep disturbances and resulting in insomnia. In addition, changes in the external environment, such as strong light, noise, etc., can disrupt the original sleep environment, reduce sleep quality, and indirectly lead to insomnia caused by cervical disc herniation.

Another scenario is that as cervical disc herniation accompanies the development of cervical spondylosis, as the condition worsens, the compression of nerves worsens, intensifying feelings of pain and numbness, further disturbing the patient's nighttime rest, leading to insomnia.

Faced with cervical disc herniation and the potential for insomnia it may cause, patients should seek medical attention promptly, obtain an accurate diagnosis, and adopt a personalized treatment plan. Under medical guidance, physical therapy methods such as cervical traction, acupuncture, massage, and manipulation can be attempted to relieve muscle tension and improve the condition of the cervical spine. At the same time, the rational use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as sustained-release ibuprofen capsules, celecoxib capsules, etc., can effectively alleviate pain and help improve sleep quality.