Cervical spondylosis – how it is recognized and how it is treated

Author: Dr. Dragica Spasova

Cervical spondylosis is a condition caused by the wear and tearing of the bones, discs and joints of the neck (cervical spine) as people get older. It can lead to neck pain, stiffness, and sometimes pressed nerves, causing tingling or weakness in the hands and hands.

Treatment for cervical spondylosis focuses on reducing pain and improving neck mobility. This includes physical therapy, medicines such as pain relievers and anti -inflammatory drugs, and sometimes wearing a support support holder. In severe cases, doctors may recommend steroid injections or surgery to reduce pressure on the nerves and spinal cord, improving overall comfort.

Symptoms of cervical spondylosis

Cervical spondylosis can cause various symptoms, usually associated with neck pain and stiffness. Common symptoms include:

1. Neck pain: This is the most common symptom and can vary from mild discomfort to severe pain that limits movement.
2. Stiffness: Many people experience stiffness in the neck, especially after they stay in one position for a long time, such as computer work.
3. Headaches: Neck pain can sometimes lead to headaches, especially on the back of the head.
4. Tingling or stiffness: If the nerves are compressed, you may feel tingling, stiffness or weakness in your shoulders, hands or hands.
5. Muscle weakness: In more severe cases, cervical spondylosis can lead to muscle weakness, making it difficult to lift objects or perform tasks with your hands.

Causes of cervical spondylosis

Cervical spondylosis, also known as neck arthritis, occurs due to natural wear and tearing of the spine as people get older. Here are some common reasons:

1. Years: As we age, the discs of our neck can lose hydration and flexibility, leading to stiffness and pain.
2. It also brings tears: Repeated movements, such as looking down to the phone or computer, can strain the neck over time.
3. Injury: Past neck injuries, like a lash from an accident, can contribute to the condition.
4. Genetics: Family history of neck problems can increase the risk of developing cervical spondylosis.
5. Body: Bad posture while sitting or standing can cause extra stress on the neck and spine.
6. Smoking: Smoking can reduce blood flow to the spine and contribute to disc degeneration.

Procedure of treatment of cervical spondylosis

Here is a detailed step-by-step treatment for cervical spondylosis in a simple language:

1. Diagnosis

• Consult your doctor: Visit a healthcare worker if you experience neck pain, stiffness or headaches.
• Physical examination: The doctor will examine your neck and assess the symptoms.
• Image tests: You may need X -ray, MRI or CT scans to see the condition of your cervical spine.

2. Initial treatments

• The rest: Take breaks from activities that burden your neck.
• Ice/heat therapy: Apply ice packs for the first 48 hours to reduce swelling, and then switch to heat packs to relax your muscles.
• Relieve the pain without a prescription: Use medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help reduce pain and inflammation.

3. Physical therapy

• Exercise plan: The physiotherapist will create a personalized exercise routine to strengthen the neck muscles and improve flexibility.
• Manual therapy: This may include practical techniques to relieve pain and improve movement.
• Training for posture: Learn proper posture techniques to reduce neck stress.

4. Medications

• prescription drugs: If pain relief medications are not effective, your doctor may prescribe stronger painkillers or muscle relaxants.
• Corticosteroid injections: These can reduce inflammation and provide pain relief directly into the affected area.

• Diazepam (benzodiazepine), to facilitate muscle spasm
• Dexamasone (corticosteroid) to reduce swelling that makes pressure and rubbing on the nerve
• Ketoprofen (NSAIDs), to reduce inflammation and pain
• Group B vitamins.
• Vitamins B1+B6+B12 are clinically proven B vitamins that nourish the nerves, help protect and nourish the nerves with proper nutrition and exercise.
• B1 (thiamine) – helps to energize nerve cells
• B6 (pyridoxine) – helps restore nerve signals
• B12 (cyanocobalamine) – helps regenerate nerve fibers

5. Lifestyle modifications

• Ergonomic adjustments: Make changes in your workspace to improve posture, such as using a neckrow with a neckrage or adjusting the height of the computer screen.
• Regular exercise: Get involved in a little stroke exercises like swimming or hiking to keep your body actively.
• Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce pressure on your spine.

6. Alternative treatments

• Acupuncture: This involves inserting thin needles at certain points of the body to relieve the pain.
• Chiropractic care: Chiropractic can make adjustments to help relieve neck pain.
• Massage therapy: Smooth massages can help relax the tight neck muscles and improve blood circulation.

7. Surgical options (if necessary)

• Decompression surgery: If conservative treatments fail, surgery may be needed to reduce pressure on the spinal nerves.
• Spinal fusion: In severe cases, the merger of two or more vertebrae can stabilize the spine and reduce the pain.