Understanding Cervical Spondylosis:
After Back pain, neck pain is the second most common
musculoskeletal complaint reported by patients. Neck pain can be arising due to
various causes. However, a neck pain that is attributed to postural or
mechanical causes is referred to as Cervical Spondylosis. It is also referred
to as cervical osteoarthritis or neck arthritis.
Causative factors:
1.
Ageing:
a.
Bone spurts: Sometimes, the body
grows extra bone to make the spine robust. If this bone presses onto a nerve or
directly the spinal cord, it can result in pain.
b.
Degenerated disc: Discs provide
natural cushioning to the spinal joints. When they thin out as part of normal
aging, there is increased friction between the vertebrae, narrowing of the
space for the spinal nerves. All these can lead to pain.
c.
Disc herniation: When there is break
in the continuity of the outer annulus fibrosus of the intervertebral discs, a
part of the inner nucleus pulposus can herniate out of this break and press on
nerves and spinal cord. This can cause numbness and pain along the area
innervated by that specific nerve.
2.
Injury: Any
injury sustained to the neck like an accident or fall can hasten the aging
process
3.
Overuse:
This can be occupational or recreational. If a person is engaged in any
activity that involves heavy lifting or repeated movements, it can cause early
wear and tear of these joints.
Symptoms:
1.
Neck pain with movement
2.
Stiffness in the neck
3.
Pain may be referred to occiput, upper limbs and
between the shoulder blades
4.
Associated numbness, tingling and weakness in upper
limbs
5.
Balance issues
6.
Dizziness or vertigo
Signs:
1.
Restricted cervical range of motion
2.
Diffused tenderness
Complications:
Radiculopathy and/or myelopathy
Treatment:
1. Medical:
Depending upon the severity of
pain and disability, the doctor can prescribe medications such as NSAIDS,
muscle relaxants, Gabapentin and steroids. It is very important to stick to the
dosage and watch for any side effects. Report these back to your doctor who can
revise your medications or adjust their dosage.
2.
Physical therapy:
A licensed physical therapist will conduct a thorough physical examination to
determine the root cause of this mechanical pain. Accordingly, he/she will
formulate an individualized exercise program comprising of stretching,
strengthening, postural awareness medical movements. This may also be
accompanied by an ergonomic assessment of your workstation, home and car. One
you are pain free, it is important to adhere to the exercise regime and
postural advice as the chances of recurrences is very high in these patients.
3.
Alternative
therapy: These include yoga, acupressure, acupuncture, Ayurveda and herbal
therapies.
4.
Surgery: If
all the above options have failed and there is severe compromise in the
individuals ability to move his/her limbs or in case of life threatening cases,
surgical option is considered. Your surgeon will discuss with you the possible
approaches he/she may adopt depending upon your case.