5 Effective Ways to Prevent/Treat Cervical Spondylosis

In cervical spondylosis, cervical means connected with the neck (spine), and spondylosis means pain in the spine. In simple words, cervical spondylosis, commonly known as arthritis, is a neck-related issue that affects your neck’s joints and spinal disk. 

Symptoms of Cervical Spondylosis

• Neck Pain
• Muscle cramps
• Headache
• A sound like grinding when you move your neck
• Weakness in your legs and arms

Causes of Cervical Spondylosis

• Dehydrated disks

Between the vertebrae of the spine, disks act like a cushion that begins to shrink or dry with increasing age. This process can start to occur in or after your 30s.

• Stiff ligaments

Ligaments are the cords of the tissue that connect bone to bone. Spinal ligaments can become harsh with age, making the neck less adaptable or flexible.

• Bone spurs

As the disks of the vertebrae break down, the body might produce an extra amount of bone in a misguided effort to reinforce the spine. Sometimes these bone spurs can pinch the nerve roots and spinal cord.

• Herniated disks

Cracks also develop on the exterior of the spinal plates, which can cause leakage of the cushioning material. This may result in arm numbness and pain.

Risk factors that increase the development of cervical spondylosis are:

• Age

With increasing age, especially for middle-aged and older people, degenerative changes occur in the spine that causes cervical spondylosis. These changes are normal and occur in everyone.

• Genetics

One of the causes of cervical spondylosis is genetics. The problem of cervical spondylosis is more likely in people whose ancestors faced the same condition.

• Smoking

People who smoke are at higher risk of suffering from neck pain.

• Desk Job

Another cause of cervical spondylosis can be your desk job. Working for long hours on your computer can cause neck pain.

• Anxiety

Anxiety, headache, or depression results in neck pain.

• Previous injury

If you previously have had an injury to your neck, you are more likely to suffer from neck pain which can become a near cause of cervical spondylosis.

Treatments/Lifestyle changes for treating Cervical Spondylosis

We can’t fully prevent cervical spondylosis, but there are certain treatments ways that can reduce it to a large extent. These include:

1. Physical therapy

Physical therapy includes performing specific exercises and stretches. It focuses on improving your posture and stretching and strengthening your muscles. Take a proper diagnosis from your healthcare provider or doctor before performing these treatments.

2. Massage, apply ice/ hot water bag

Ask your healthcare provider if it’s suitable to apply ice or use hot water bag to get relief from neck pain. Giving a proper massage to your neck can be another good option.

3. Oral medications

Depending on what pain you’re going through, your healthcare provider might tell you a prescription or about an anti-inflammatory drug like naproxen sodium (Aleve®) or ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®).

4. Cervical collar

In most of the cases of Cervical Spondylosis health experts advise wearing a cervical collar to limit temporary movement of your neck. This helps your neck to rest and recuperate.

5. Injection therapy

Injection therapy can be used to cure the affected area of your spine by injecting steroids to control the problem. 

References:

• Cleveland Clinic. What Is the Difference Between A2 Milk and Regular Milk? Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17685-cervical-spondylosis
• Cervical Spondylosis (Arthritis of the Neck) Retrieved from https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/cervical-spondylosis-arthritis-of-the-neck
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cervical-spondylosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20370787
• https://www.healthline.com/health/cervical-spondylosis#causes

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