Cervical spondylosis is a degenerative condition of the spine that affects the neck. As the age increases, the number increases. This is caused by the normal wear and tear of the cervical vertebrae over time, which can cause changes in the discs between the vertebrae as well as other structures in the neck. Due to this, difficulties arise in leading a normal life.
Common symptoms of cervical spondylosis include pain, heaviness, numbness or tingling in the arms and legs, headache, trouble sleeping, dizziness, and fatigue. Also, in more severe symptoms, compression of nerve roots can cause loss of strength and reflexes.
Main Causes of Cervical Spondylosis
The biggest risk factor for cervical spondylosis is age. As our bodies wear and tear as we age, our bones and ligaments continue to lose their normal strength. Which can affect the neck and spine and stiffen movement. It also puts pressure on nearby muscles, ligaments, and joints, and they wear out more quickly. And this is why cervical spondylosis can cause pain.
Cervical spondylosis occurs due to direct or indirect damage to the structural elements of the neck like sprains or muscle strains occuring from a fall or other accident, or trauma. Also, improper lifting of heavy objects, prolonged sitting, repetitive stress behaviors, and poor posture at the work desk and while sleeping are risk factors for this disease. Avoid these practices to reduce the risks of this disease.
Prevention of Cervical Spondylosis
To prevent cervical spondylosis, it is important to practice good posture such as sitting or standing with your shoulders back and head up to help keep your spine in proper alignment and reduce stress on the neck structure. And with that, it is very important to be aware of the position of your body when lifting heavy objects.
Maintaining a healthy weight is also important, to reduce stress on the neck area due to excess fat or muscle mass. Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and other healthy foods can greatly reduce unnecessary stress on the neck caused by a sedentary lifestyle. At the same time, regular exercise keeps weight under control and strengthens the muscles that support the spine, reducing wear and tear over time.
Finally, regular check-ups with your doctor are important to detect early signs. This indicates developing issues before they become problematic.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Cervical Spondylosis
Physical therapy is a non-surgical approach to treating cervical spondylosis and can help with pain management and increasing flexibility. A physical therapist evaluates your health and creates a special training regimen designed to meet the unique needs of your spine. Such as stretching, strengthening, balance training, posture retraining, and other methods aimed at increasing neck mobility.
Another option for treating cervical spondylosis is the use of nonsurgical assistive devices such as traction machines or cervical collars. To maintain a range of motion without exacerbating symptoms of the condition, these devices allow for gentle movement of the neck.
Another option for treating cervical spondylosis is medication. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) provide temporary relief from the pain and inflammation caused by mild cases of this condition. Also, it should be taken only for a short period under the supervision of a doctor.
Surgical Treatment Options for Cervical Spondylosis:
Artificial disc replacement
Artificial disc replacement is a technique of replacing damaged cervical spine disc with an artificial disc during a surgery. By putting the spine back in its proper position and relieving pressure on the nerves and other structures in the neck region, this kind of surgery helps patients feel less pain and move more freely. Only one or two discs are removed instead of multiple adjacent discs as in spinal fusion surgeries. This method has the advantage of preserving a wide range of motion. It is important to discuss this with your doctor before deciding which course of therapy is right for you as not all conditions are suitable for artificial disc replacement due to current technical limitations.
Spinal fusion surgery
Spinal fusion surgery is usually a second treatment option. When conservative measures such as physical therapy, or medications have failed, or when there is significant damage to the spine due to long-term wear and tear. Using metal rods and screws, multiple nearby vertebrae are joined during this treatment. This acts for strong bone reduction movement that stabilizes and supports the problematic area. Multiple adjacent vertebrae are fused using metal rods and screws during the process. It acts like one solid bone reducing movement between them while also providing stability and support for the affected area without having to remove any discs from between them. While there may be some loss of flexibility following a spinal fusion procedure, people who undergo this operation typically report improved function with reduced pain levels shortly after their recovery period ends!
Laminectomy surgery
laminectomy is a surgical operation. It includes removing art or all of the lamina (backbone) on either side of a single vertebral body for relieving nerve compression produced by alterations within these regions brought on by spondylosis. Partial removal as opposed to full resection guarantees stability while still preserving access for future treatments, should they become necessary. However, it does carry risks, such as the possibility of instability at neighboring levels, so make sure you thoroughly discuss these matters with your surgeon before having any kind of surgery!
