Cervical Spondylosis Treatment: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Prevention

What is Cervical Spondylosis?

Cervical spondylosis, often referred to as neck arthritis or cervical osteoarthritis, is a degenerative condition affecting the cervical spine. It occurs as a result of age-related wear and tear on the spinal disks in your neck. Over time, the disks dehydrate and shrink, leading to signs of osteoarthritis such as bony projections (bone spurs). Though it’s a common condition in people over 40, not everyone experiences symptoms.

This spinal degeneration can lead to compression of nearby nerves or the spinal cord, causing discomfort and, in severe cases, neurological complications. Understanding this condition is essential for early diagnosis and effective treatment.

What are the Symptoms of Cervical Spondylosis?

Most people with cervical spondylosis do not experience symptoms. However, when symptoms do appear, they often develop gradually. Common cervical spondylosis symptoms include:

• Persistent neck pain and stiffness
• Headaches originating from the neck
• Grinding or popping noise/sensation when turning the neck
• Pain radiating to the shoulders or arms
• Weakness or numbness in the arms, hands, or fingers
• Trouble maintaining balance or walking

What Causes Cervical Spondylosis?

Understanding spondylosis causes can help in identifying risk factors and preventive strategies. The main causes include:

• Aging: Natural degeneration of spinal structures due to aging.
• Dehydrated spinal discs: With age, spinal discs lose moisture and shrink.
• Herniated discs: Age-related changes may cause discs to crack, allowing the inner material to protrude.
• Bone spurs: Overgrowth of bone to compensate for lost cartilage, which can press on spinal nerves.
• Stiff ligaments: Loss of flexibility due to thickened spinal ligaments.

What are the Risk Factors of Cervical Spondylosis?

Certain factors may increase your risk of developing cervical spondylosis:

• Age over 40
• Occupational strain (e.g., desk jobs, construction)
• Genetics: Family history of spinal disorders
• Smoking: Linked to increased neck pain and degeneration
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Poor posture or ergonomics

When to Consult a Doctor for Cervical Spondylosis?

It is advisable to consult a orthopaedic doctor in Gurgaon if you experience:

• Persistent neck pain that doesn’t improve with rest
• Radiating pain into shoulders, arms, or hands
• Tingling or numbness in extremities
• Loss of coordination or balance
• Difficulty controlling bladder or bowel functions

How is Cervical Spondylosis Diagnosed?

Early diagnosis plays a crucial role in determining the most effective cervical spondylosis treatment plan. Diagnosis of cervical spondylosis typically includes a combination of:

• Physical Examination

It helps the doctor assess reflexes, muscle strength, and neck flexibility.

• Medical History Review

This test helps identify risk factors and symptom progression.

• Imaging Tests

• • • X-rays: Detect bone spurs or narrowing of the spinal canal.
    • MRI: Visualizes soft tissues, including discs and nerves.
    • CT scans: Offers detailed bone structure images.

• Electromyography (EMG)

Measures electrical activity of muscles to check nerve function.

What are the Treatment Methods for Cervical Spondylosis?

Treatment for cervical spondylosis aims to alleviate symptoms, improve quality of life, prevent further damage, and help patients maintain normal activities. Below, I’ll explain each treatment option in detail:

Medications

Medications are commonly used to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and manage muscle spasms in the neck.

• NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)

These medications reduce inflammation and pain. They are often the first-line treatment for managing pain associated with cervical spondylosis.

• Muscle Relaxants

These drugs help reduce muscle spasms, which can be common with cervical spondylosis, especially if the condition has led to muscle stiffness or spasm in the neck and shoulders. They work by affecting the central nervous system to relax tense muscles, thereby reducing pain and improving range of motion.

• Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids are potent anti-inflammatory drugs used for short-term pain relief. They are typically used in cases where NSAIDs are not effective. They suppress inflammation by mimicking the body’s natural hormones, helping to reduce swelling, pain, and irritation around the nerves.

• Antidepressants

At low doses, antidepressants can be used to manage chronic pain, particularly nerve-related pain, which may occur in cervical spondylosis if nerve roots are compressed or irritated. These drugs affect neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, to improve the brain’s ability to cope with pain. They can also help with sleep disturbances often associated with chronic pain.

Physical Therapy for Cervical Spondylosis

Physical therapy plays a critical role in managing cervical spondylosis by strengthening the muscles around the neck, improving posture, and increasing flexibility. A physical therapist will typically tailor exercises to meet individual needs.

• Stretching and Strengthening Neck Muscles

  • Stretching exercises can improve the flexibility of the muscles and ligaments in the neck, reducing stiffness.

  • Strengthening exercises help to improve the support for the cervical spine by targeting muscles in the neck, shoulders, and upper back.

• Improving Posture and Alignment

  • Poor posture, such as slouching, can exacerbate symptoms of cervical spondylosis. Physical therapy can help teach proper posture to reduce strain on the neck.

• Increasing Flexibility and Range of Motion

  • A physical therapist will help guide you through exercises that increase the range of motion in the neck, helping you move your head more freely and reducing discomfort.

• Ergonomic Training for Daily Tasks

  • This involves educating patients on how to sit, stand, and perform activities in ways that minimize strain on the neck. This can include adjusting the height of your desk, using ergonomic chairs, or adopting better habits when using a computer or phone.

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

In addition to professional treatments, several self-care methods can help manage symptoms of cervical spondylosis.

• Using a Cervical Pillow for Neck Support

A specially designed cervical pillow can help maintain proper neck alignment while sleeping, which may reduce pain and stiffness when waking up.

• Heat or Cold Therapy

Heat can relax tense muscles and improve blood flow, while cold therapy can reduce inflammation and numb pain. Alternating between the two may offer the most relief.

• Gentle Neck Exercises and Yoga

Gentle exercises or yoga can help maintain flexibility and reduce muscle stiffness in the neck. However, it’s important to focus on movements that are gentle and avoid overextending the neck.

• Reducing Screen Time and Improving Desk Ergonomics

Prolonged screen time or poor posture while sitting at a desk can contribute to neck strain. Taking regular breaks, improving sitting posture, and reducing time spent looking down at screens can help.

Alternative Therapies

Some patients find relief through alternative therapies, either alone or in conjunction with traditional treatments.

• Acupuncture

This ancient Chinese practice involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body to relieve pain and promote healing. Some studies suggest that acupuncture may help alleviate neck pain and improve mobility in people with cervical spondylosis.

• Chiropractic Care

Chiropractors use spinal manipulation or adjustments to treat musculoskeletal pain. While chiropractic care can help improve mobility and reduce pain in some people with cervical spondylosis, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider before trying this treatment, as improper manipulation may cause harm.

• Massage Therapy

Therapeutic massage can reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and alleviate pain in the neck and shoulders. It may also help promote relaxation and reduce stress associated with chronic pain.

Cervical Spondylosis Surgery

Surgery is typically considered when other treatments do not provide sufficient relief or if the condition worsens, leading to significant neurological symptoms (such as weakness, numbness, or loss of function). Surgical options may include:

• Discectomy

This procedure involves removing a herniated or damaged disc that may be pressing on a nerve root or the spinal cord. Removing the damaged disc helps alleviate pressure on surrounding structures and can improve symptoms.

• Laminectomy

In a laminectomy, part of the vertebra (the lamina) is removed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots. This procedure is often performed when there is spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal) that is affecting nerve function.

• Spinal Fusion

In cases of instability or degeneration of the spine, spinal fusion surgery may be performed. This involves fusing two or more vertebrae together to prevent movement between them, thereby stabilizing the spine. This can help prevent further deterioration or nerve compression in the neck.

How Can I Prevent Cervical Spondylosis?

While aging is inevitable, certain measures related to lifestyle modifications and dietary restrictions can reduce your risk. These steps can significantly reduce the risk and severity of cervical spondylosis:

• Maintain good posture while sitting and standing
• Stay physically active with regular neck exercises
• Use ergonomic furniture and screen setups
• Avoid prolonged phone or computer use without breaks
• Quit smoking
• Maintain a healthy weight

Complications of Prolonged Cervical Spondylosis

Early intervention and proper management are key to avoiding these complications. If left untreated, cervical spondylosis can lead to:

• Chronic pain and reduced neck mobility
• Nerve root compression causing numbness or weakness
• Spinal cord compression (myelopathy) leading to severe neurological deficits
• Permanent damage to nerves or spinal cord

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cervical spondylosis curable?

Cervical spondylosis isn’t curable, but symptoms can be effectively managed with proper treatment.

Can I exercise with cervical spondylosis?

Yes, gentle stretching and strengthening exercises under supervision are beneficial.

Does cervical spondylosis cause headaches?

Yes, it can cause cervicogenic headaches that originate from the neck.

How long does it take to recover from cervical spondylosis surgery?

Recovery time varies but generally ranges from 4 to 6 weeks for moderate surgeries.

Can cervical spondylosis lead to paralysis?

In rare cases, severe spinal cord compression can lead to paralysis if untreated.