Cervical Spondylosis is a change that takes place in the neck area of the spine, especially in the elderly, that eventually causes difficulties in movement and pain in the neck and spinal column. In most cases, the seven vertebrae of the neck are affected, as well as the disks that cushion the vertebrae. The condition also affects blood flow to the brain and lower extremities, as well as the nerves, which may become compressed.
Most common in those over 50 years of age, the condition seems to affect males more often than females. Risks of acquiring cervical spondylosis increase for those who are suffering from arthritis or who have experienced neck damage in the past.
Understanding the types of treatment available for cervical spondylosis will help preserve the range of motion, decrease pain and enhance the quality of life of those afflicted with the condition.
Instructions
1. Visit your doctor or family health-care provider for a diagnosis of cervical spondylosis. As it occurs gradually, stages may cause increasing pain and discomfort before many individuals schedule doctor visits or X-rays to confirm the condition. Be advised that surgical treatments are only sometimes advised. Such surgery will fuse the bones of the neck together to reduce movement or to remove a badly damaged disk. In some cases, surgery will widen the spaces available in the spinal canal to help reduce pressure on blood vessels or nerves.
2. Treat chronic neck pain caused by cervical spondylosis with either painkillers prescribed by your doctor or OTC (over-the-counter) medications like acetaminophen or aspirin. Gently massage the neck several times a day to stimulate blood flow and relieve pain.
3. Wrap a warm (as warm as you can stand it) towel along the back of your neck and shoulders several times a day. If possible, take a hot shower or bath a couple of times a day and let the hot water soak into the muscles of your neck to offer relief and comfort.
4. Improve your posture. Hold in your stomach and tuck your pelvis under while you're sitting, standing and walking. Try not to hunch your shoulders when sitting or standing. Also, try sleeping without a pillow. This is hard to get used to at first, but will help relieve pressure on the back of your neck. If you can, purchase a cervical pillow, or sleep with a rolled towel underneath your neck.
5. Ask your doctor about a cervical-traction device you could use a home to help provide relief from numbness or tingling in the extremities caused by pressure on the nerves or reduced blood flow. Your doctor will advise you on the use of the device, as well as set it up, but always read the instructions provided in the package or with the equipment prior to use.
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