WHAT IS CERVICAL SPONDYLOSIS ?
What is Cervical Spine ?
Neck pain is one of the most common problems that one encounters in day to day life. It is probably as common as common cold. Cervical spondylosis may be caused by one or more of several complaints. A very common mistake is to perceive the cause of illness as a singular factor. Treating the patient for a single factor like a spur seen on X-ray or a slipped disc in the neck seen on a myelogram or CT scan need not always completely alleviate the patient's suffering. Many a time reference to a specialist also may not prove fruitful.
Cervical Spondylosis is more frequently seen in women than men. Most people will experience neck pain at some point in their life. It is very important to attempt to ascertain the facts that can cause it.
A thorough knowledge of the structure and functioning of the neck has become essential to understand and hence successfully treat cervical spondylosis. There are several theories about why many people suffer neck pain. For most people, no specific reason for cervical spondylosis can be found. Cervical Spondylosis can come from a number of disorders and diseases of any structures in neck.
It has also been possible to study the effects on the spine of external influences like concussion, hypertension, hyper flexion, etc. Routine activity like traveling, household work, office jobs though in themselves quite innocuous are potential harbingers of serious damage to the neck which results in prolonged cervical spondylosis. This will be explained later along with measures to avoid their deleterious effects.
A knowledge of such aggravating factors would prove beneficial and ensure a successful therapy. and thus helps fighting this, though general measures should always be taken to avoid it. With the increase in number of professionals who sit for hours together doing desk work or sitting for hours in front of the computer and call center jobs which requires continuous sitting in one posture the number of people suffering with cervical spondylosis is on the rise. Cervical spondylosis is a 'wear and tear' of the vertebrae and discs in the neck and is the most common cause.
Symptoms can vary from mild to severe. You may have a flare up of symptoms if you over-use your neck, or if you sprain a neck muscle or ligament. Symptoms include:
Some neck stiffness, particularly after a night's rest.
Headaches from time to time. The headaches often start at the back of the head just above the neck and travel over the top to the forehead.
Numbness, pins and needles or weakness may occur in part of the arm or hand. Tell a doctor if these symptoms occur as they may indicate a problem with a 'trapped nerve'.
Pain, numbness and lack of sensation in the other areas are produced by problems effecting the nerves that emerge from the cervical region. By far, the most common cause of cervical spondylosis is the spasm of the para-vertebral muscles of the neck.
With age, osteophytes, or bone spurs form on vertebral bodies, as the body's way of attempting an increase of the surface area and stabilizing the vertebral joint. Generally not successful in this mission, the bone spurs can become painful as they put pressure on cervical nerves, and in some cases the spinal cord. And may also result in shoulder pain.
Symptoms
Well the most common symptoms with which these patients approach the doctor are
1- Pain and stiffness in the neck.
2-The pain and stiffness could be confined to the neck alone
3-There could be radiation of the pain from the neck to the right hand
4-There could be radiation of the pain from the neck to the left hand
6-There could be giddiness associated with pain and stiffness
7-There could be only pain in the upper arm
8-There could be numbness in the tips of the fingers
Neck stiffness and pain may be worse with upright activities.
Numbness and weakness may appear in the arms, hands, and fingers, and weakness in the legs.
Muscle spasms or headaches.
May feel irritable and fatigue, disturb sleep and impair your ability to work.
Physical exam - the doctor may identify tender spots along the neck and evaluate your ability to move the neck in various directions. The function of the nerves and muscles in the arms and legs may be tested.
Treatment for cervical spondylosis -TYPE A
Professionals who spend hours doing desk work or in front off the computers are the main victims ,they should take small breaks in between and try and do simple neck exercises.
Some of those neck pains and stiffness which does not improve in spite of exercise and medication are most certainly due to stress. When a person is in constant stress the muscles in the neck goes into spasm and causes pain and stiffness in the neck so it is very important for the doctor to identify the cause and treat it accordingly.
Medication -medications or other non-narcotic pain relievers to relieve pain and reduce swelling.
Physical therapy - Hot and cold cervical traction or active exercise program to relieve pain symptoms.
When the symptoms are too severe, most of the doctors may recommend surgery. Chiropractic and Homeopathic is another alternative of healing for cervical spondylosis treatment.
For the patient to recover from cervical ailments, it is necessary that this bowel should move clearly and regularly. This medicine is very much helpful for this purpose. For patients having clear motions, this medicines should be given in a dose of 2 tablets and constipated patients the dose should be 4 tablets. If the constipation is not relieved even by taking 4 tablets the dose can be further increased to 6 tablets. At night some medicines should be given to the patients, which will act as a purgative.
Triphala powder is the best medicine for spondylosis. One teaspoonful of triphala should be given to the patient, mixed with a cup of warm milk and one spoon of sugar. In the motions become regular by the intake of simbanada guggulu, then triphala powder should be given only twice a week otherwise it can be given every day.Hot fomentation on the vertebrae of the is very useful for cervical pains. In a big handkerchief about 500gms of salt should be kept over a frying pan till it becomes tolerably hot. Then this should be applied over the neck. Care should be taken to see that it should not be too hot. In that case, it may cause burns.
Sometimes patients suffering from cervical Spondylosis develop some anesthetic patches in the back, neck, shoulders and arms because of the pressure from nervous systems .The patient is therefore not able to feel the quantum of heat applied during fomentation. It should therefore be the responsibility of the attendant to examine the heat of the bolus before applying it on the affected parts .This fomentation should be continued about ½ an hour every day. After fomentation the affected part should not be exposed to cold wind. In winter season therefore immediately after fomentation, the affected part should be covered with some woolen garment.
In other seasons also the affected part should be kept covered with some cotton garments after fomentation. It is very convenient to take the fomentation before bedtime. After the fomentation the patient should go to sleep so that he does not run the risk of exposure. Diet; Sour things particularly curd, are strictly prohibited. Fried things, pulses and various preparations of pulses are also contra- indicated in this condition. Bitter vegetables like bitter variety of drumstick, neem flowers and bitter gourd are very useful. Wheat is better than rice for the patient. He should however, avoid taking refined wheat which is known as maida (flour) and suji (semolina). To some extent they are constipated and do not help the patient in the recovery.
Lifestyle Exposure to cold, cold bath and any violent exercise of the muscles, including pressure, are very bad for the patients of Cervical spondulosis. Under the impression that this pain is being caused by some defects in the muscles, people undertake different types of neck exercises .While reading and writing ,one should maintain a comfortable posture. Morning walk gives some relief to the patient, but if it is cold outside the patient should always use a woolen scarf around his neck while going out of the house.
Surgery
Surgery may be necessary if you have severe pain that does not improve from other conservative treatments. It should be your last resort as there is always a risk factor involved.
Chiropractic is shown to be effective in treating cervical spondylosis. It uses gentle spinal manipulation technique to correct spinal and help to relieve nerve irritation. Spinal subluxation is the term used by chiropractic to describe the misalignment of the spinal vertebrae.
Cervical spondylosis is a treatment disease especially at its early stages. The key is to identify the degenerative condition early and seek treatment. It is important to note that bone degeneration process cannot be cured. The process can only be minimized through healthy diet and lifestyle, exercises and good structural posture.
To an extent, we all develop a degree of degeneration in the vertebrae and discs as we become older. As the 'discs' degenerate, over many years they become thinner. Sometimes the adjacent vertebrae develop small, rough areas of bone on their edges. The nearby muscles, ligaments, and nerves may become irritated by these degenerative changes which can cause troublesome symptoms.
What is Cervical Spine ?
The cervical spine is made up of small circular bones (vertebrae) stacked on top of each other. Between each vertebrae is an intervertebral disc which acts like a shock absorber and allows flexibility of the spine. Muscles and ligaments run between, and are attached to, the vertebrae. Nerves from the spinal cord pass between the vertebrae going to the shoulder, neck, arm, and upper chest.
Neck pain is one of the most common problems that one encounters in day to day life. It is probably as common as common cold. Cervical spondylosis may be caused by one or more of several complaints. A very common mistake is to perceive the cause of illness as a singular factor. Treating the patient for a single factor like a spur seen on X-ray or a slipped disc in the neck seen on a myelogram or CT scan need not always completely alleviate the patient's suffering. Many a time reference to a specialist also may not prove fruitful.
Cervical Spondylosis is more frequently seen in women than men. Most people will experience neck pain at some point in their life. It is very important to attempt to ascertain the facts that can cause it.
A thorough knowledge of the structure and functioning of the neck has become essential to understand and hence successfully treat cervical spondylosis. There are several theories about why many people suffer neck pain. For most people, no specific reason for cervical spondylosis can be found. Cervical Spondylosis can come from a number of disorders and diseases of any structures in neck.
Neck pain can be caused by an injury, muscular problem or by trapped nerve between vertebrae. Inappropriate working or sleeping posture can also be the cause. Biochemical engineering has helped us to understand the dynamics of the functioning of the various joints of the cervical spine and thus their role in production of the pain. Mobility of the spine is dependent on several small joints, the derangement of the functioning of one of which, can cause neck pain and reduced movements.
It has also been possible to study the effects on the spine of external influences like concussion, hypertension, hyper flexion, etc. Routine activity like traveling, household work, office jobs though in themselves quite innocuous are potential harbingers of serious damage to the neck which results in prolonged cervical spondylosis. This will be explained later along with measures to avoid their deleterious effects.
A knowledge of such aggravating factors would prove beneficial and ensure a successful therapy. and thus helps fighting this, though general measures should always be taken to avoid it. With the increase in number of professionals who sit for hours together doing desk work or sitting for hours in front of the computer and call center jobs which requires continuous sitting in one posture the number of people suffering with cervical spondylosis is on the rise. Cervical spondylosis is a 'wear and tear' of the vertebrae and discs in the neck and is the most common cause.
Symptoms can vary from mild to severe. You may have a flare up of symptoms if you over-use your neck, or if you sprain a neck muscle or ligament. Symptoms include:
Pain in the neck. This may spread to the base of the skull and shoulders. Movement of the neck may make the pain worse. The pain sometimes spreads down an arm to a hand or fingers. This is caused by irritation of a nerve which goes to the arm from the spinal cord in the neck. The pain tends to wax and wane with flare-ups from time to time. However, some people develop chronic (persistent) pain.
Some neck stiffness, particularly after a night's rest.
Headaches from time to time. The headaches often start at the back of the head just above the neck and travel over the top to the forehead.
Numbness, pins and needles or weakness may occur in part of the arm or hand. Tell a doctor if these symptoms occur as they may indicate a problem with a 'trapped nerve'.
What are these caused due to?
Pain in the neck region can be caused by a variety of reasons. Different centers in and around the cervical vertebrae are sensitive to pain and problems connected with any of these regions can cause pain. The Periosteum ( The outer layer of the cervical vertebrae ), The anterior and posterior ligaments ( the ligaments which run along the vertebrae and stabilize them ), The facet joints ( the joint formed between the sideward protrusions of the vertebrae ) The para-vertebral muscles are all pain sensitive and any lesions to the above structures are capable of producing pain.
Pain, numbness and lack of sensation in the other areas are produced by problems effecting the nerves that emerge from the cervical region. By far, the most common cause of cervical spondylosis is the spasm of the para-vertebral muscles of the neck.
The main causes of these problems are 1) Spondylosis, 2) Herniated inter-vertebral disks, 3) Fibro-myalgia and myo-fascial pain syndromes. Though the three refer to three different entities, they are interrelated and often super-imposed.
With age, osteophytes, or bone spurs form on vertebral bodies, as the body's way of attempting an increase of the surface area and stabilizing the vertebral joint. Generally not successful in this mission, the bone spurs can become painful as they put pressure on cervical nerves, and in some cases the spinal cord. And may also result in shoulder pain.
Symptoms
Cervical spondylosis can lead to chronic pain and stiffness in the neck that may also lead numbness of the upper extremities.
Well the most common symptoms with which these patients approach the doctor are
1- Pain and stiffness in the neck.
2-The pain and stiffness could be confined to the neck alone
3-There could be radiation of the pain from the neck to the right hand
4-There could be radiation of the pain from the neck to the left hand
5-There could be radiation of the pain from the neck to the back of the head
7-There could be only pain in the upper arm
8-There could be numbness in the tips of the fingers
9-These above symptoms could all suggest that you could be suffering from a condition known as cervical spondylosis
Neck stiffness and pain may be worse with upright activities.
Numbness and weakness may appear in the arms, hands, and fingers, and weakness in the legs.
May feel or hear grinding or popping in the neck when you move.
Muscle spasms or headaches.
The diagnosis is usually through physical examination and imaging.
Physical exam - the doctor may identify tender spots along the neck and evaluate your ability to move the neck in various directions. The function of the nerves and muscles in the arms and legs may be tested.
Imaging - X-rays and MRI studies may be used to show bone spur and other abnormalities and reveal the extent of damage to the cervical spine.
Treatment for cervical spondylosis -TYPE A
Exercise your neck and keep active and aim to keep your neck moving as normally as possible. As far as possible, continue with normal activities. In the past, some people have worn a neck collar for long periods when a flare-up of neck pain developed. It is now known that if you wear a collar for long periods it may cause the neck to 'stiffen up'. So, try to keep your it as active as possible.
Professionals who spend hours doing desk work or in front off the computers are the main victims ,they should take small breaks in between and try and do simple neck exercises.
Some of those neck pains and stiffness which does not improve in spite of exercise and medication are most certainly due to stress. When a person is in constant stress the muscles in the neck goes into spasm and causes pain and stiffness in the neck so it is very important for the doctor to identify the cause and treat it accordingly.
The symptoms may last for several months or years. Most of the time if symptoms are mild, the doctor may recommend rest, medication, and physical therapy.
Rest - may need to wear a soft cervical collar or neck brace to limit neck motion to relieve nerve irritation.
Medication -medications or other non-narcotic pain relievers to relieve pain and reduce swelling.
Physical therapy - Hot and cold cervical traction or active exercise program to relieve pain symptoms.
When the symptoms are too severe, most of the doctors may recommend surgery. Chiropractic and Homeopathic is another alternative of healing for cervical spondylosis treatment.
Treatment for cervical spondylosis- Aurvedic
Any external massage is not of much use. Violent massage with deep pressure is very harmful for the spondylosis patient. Only gentle massage over the muscles of the neck and shoulder joints should be applied and for this purpose Mahanarayan taila is best suited. This gentle massage can be given 2-3 times a day .
In winter season; this medicated oil should be gently warmed before application. Guggulu, gum resin extracted from the plant is the best medicine for the treatment of cervical spondylosis. Ayurvedic physicians for the treatment of this condition popularly use a compound preparation named as simhanada guggulu. It is given in a dose of 2-4 tablets, 4 times a day. Usually hot water or hot milk id given to the patient after the administration of this medicines. This medicine has slightly laxative effects.
For the patient to recover from cervical ailments, it is necessary that this bowel should move clearly and regularly. This medicine is very much helpful for this purpose. For patients having clear motions, this medicines should be given in a dose of 2 tablets and constipated patients the dose should be 4 tablets. If the constipation is not relieved even by taking 4 tablets the dose can be further increased to 6 tablets. At night some medicines should be given to the patients, which will act as a purgative.
Triphala powder is the best medicine for spondylosis. One teaspoonful of triphala should be given to the patient, mixed with a cup of warm milk and one spoon of sugar. In the motions become regular by the intake of simbanada guggulu, then triphala powder should be given only twice a week otherwise it can be given every day.Hot fomentation on the vertebrae of the is very useful for cervical pains. In a big handkerchief about 500gms of salt should be kept over a frying pan till it becomes tolerably hot. Then this should be applied over the neck. Care should be taken to see that it should not be too hot. In that case, it may cause burns.
Sometimes patients suffering from cervical Spondylosis develop some anesthetic patches in the back, neck, shoulders and arms because of the pressure from nervous systems .The patient is therefore not able to feel the quantum of heat applied during fomentation. It should therefore be the responsibility of the attendant to examine the heat of the bolus before applying it on the affected parts .This fomentation should be continued about ½ an hour every day. After fomentation the affected part should not be exposed to cold wind. In winter season therefore immediately after fomentation, the affected part should be covered with some woolen garment.
In other seasons also the affected part should be kept covered with some cotton garments after fomentation. It is very convenient to take the fomentation before bedtime. After the fomentation the patient should go to sleep so that he does not run the risk of exposure. Diet; Sour things particularly curd, are strictly prohibited. Fried things, pulses and various preparations of pulses are also contra- indicated in this condition. Bitter vegetables like bitter variety of drumstick, neem flowers and bitter gourd are very useful. Wheat is better than rice for the patient. He should however, avoid taking refined wheat which is known as maida (flour) and suji (semolina). To some extent they are constipated and do not help the patient in the recovery.
Lifestyle Exposure to cold, cold bath and any violent exercise of the muscles, including pressure, are very bad for the patients of Cervical spondulosis. Under the impression that this pain is being caused by some defects in the muscles, people undertake different types of neck exercises .While reading and writing ,one should maintain a comfortable posture. Morning walk gives some relief to the patient, but if it is cold outside the patient should always use a woolen scarf around his neck while going out of the house.
Surgery
Surgery may be necessary if you have severe pain that does not improve from other conservative treatments. It should be your last resort as there is always a risk factor involved.
Chiropractic is shown to be effective in treating cervical spondylosis. It uses gentle spinal manipulation technique to correct spinal and help to relieve nerve irritation. Spinal subluxation is the term used by chiropractic to describe the misalignment of the spinal vertebrae.
Cervical spondylosis is a treatment disease especially at its early stages. The key is to identify the degenerative condition early and seek treatment. It is important to note that bone degeneration process cannot be cured. The process can only be minimized through healthy diet and lifestyle, exercises and good structural posture.
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