CERVICAL SPONDYLOSIS

Medical Treatment

Usually Analgesics and muscle relaxants are advised . In more severe cases the orthopaedic doctor may suggest cortisone injections near the joints of the vertebral bodies to ease the swelling of the nerves and relieve pain.

Surgical Treatment

If the medical treatment and physiotherapy fails, and the condition is severe, where the nerves are affected, surgery may be required.. Decompression of the nerve is done to relieve the nerve which is compressed by the bones and the disc.


Physiotherapy

The goal of physiotherapy treatment is to relieve pain, and enhance movements of the neck.

Shortwave Diathermy - A disc or heating pad is placed over the back of the neck. The warmth obtained from the shortwave diathermy current relaxes the muscle and the pain is relieved.

Cervical Traction - Traction is a mechanical device, which supports the head and chin. It is used to relieve the nerve compression by a bone.

Posture correction - Simple postural exercises can be taught to correct the faulty position of the neck.

Motivation is given to maintain the erect posture:

Collars - Two types of collars can be prescribed:

Soft Collar - Soft collar is used during night times to prevent awkward position of the neck during sleep.

Firm Collar - Firm collar steadies the neck and relieve pain, especially during traveling or work. It is removed when the pain subsides.



Relaxation

Relaxation is essential part of treatment. Tension in neck and shoulder muscle, pain, anxiety are all relieved by relaxation.

Relaxation can be done in two ways:

Physical Relaxation.

Mental Relaxation.

Physical Relaxation:

The whole body is relaxed by free suitable and comfortable positions, so that the muscles are freed from tension and the pain is relieved. For eg., position of relaxation - when you are lying flat on your back.

One pillow under the head

One cushion for the shoulder and

One under knees.

The pillow should be firm and thin

This position will allow relaxation for your body while lying down.

Relaxation while sitting.
The head, neck and shoulder are supported by high backed chair, with a small pillow at lower back.

Feet supported on stool or low bench

Arm, resting on arm of chair or pillow




Mental Relaxation

Positive thinking and using imagination is the way of relaxing mentally. This type makes one feel better and breaks the pain cycle. Muscle tension, anxiety, loss of sleep and pain are all relieved by mental relaxation exercises like yoga.

Lifestyle Modifications

Some modifications in life style will help in over coming problems of cervical spondylosis. For example:-

Avoid any strain of neck and shoulder like reading and writing for long hours.

Avoid the use of very soft cushion bed and avoid using a very high pillow.




Ergonomics

Ergonomics concentrates on the architectural design of furnitures like desk, chairs, tables etc. The design of the furniture should be such that it should support the body structure without causing any undue strain to the muscles of the back and neck .

Do's and Dont's

If you are prone to cervical spondylosis, Avoid bad roads, if travelling by two or four wheelers

Do not sit for prolonged period of time in stressful postures

Do use firm collars while traveling

Do not lift heavy weights on head or back

Do not turn from your body but turn your body moving your feet first

Do turn to one side while getting up from lying down

Do the exercises prescribed regularly

Do use firm mattress, thin pillow or butterfly shaped pillow

Do not lie flat on your stomach.