Do not overlook pain and discomfort in the neck… It could be more serious than you think!
Incorrect posture can trigger cervical spondylosis
What is cervical spondylosis?
Cervical spondylosis is a common cause of chronic neck pain.
Here, the bones and cartilages of the neck (cervical vertebrae) deteriorate, leading to soreness in the vertebrae, which results in pain, discomfort and disability.
How it affects our body?
Degeneration of the cervical spine causes wear and tear of the intervertebral discs (pillow-like cushions in between your vertebrae). Abnormal growths called ‘spurs’ may develop on the spine. These, may overtime, put pressure and compress the nerves. In severe cases the spinal cord might be affected.
Causes of cervical spondylosis:
- Injury: Individuals with a history of neck injury are likely to suffer from this disorder. Repeated fractures or dislocation of bones in the neck are also known to aggravate the chances of the ailment.
- Surgery: If an individual has had a spine surgery, he/she can develop cervical spondylosis.
- Slipped Disc: Those who have a ruptured or slipped inter-vertebral disc often develop it.
- Arthritis: Spondylosis is a degenerative disease of the spine, so someone with arthritis is at risk.
- Wrong posture: Wrong posture also predisposes degeneration of the neck joint. This results in neck pain and discomfort.
- Occupational strain and stress: The physical stress caused due to an individual’s occupation; in addition to long duration of work can be a potential cause.
- Obesity: Overweight and heavy individuals are more likely to be susceptible to cervical spondylosis.
- Nature of job: Individuals who do a lot of lifting and bending at their workplace are at risk.
- Lifestyle: A sedentary lifestyle, devoid of physical activity and awkward positions of sleeping are major contributors.
Signs and symptoms of cervical spondylosis:
Symptoms show up gradually, and get aggravated with time.
- Pain: Neck pain, shoulder pain or headache.
- Muscular tightness: Tightness or stiffness in the neck and shoulder muscles.
- Referred Pain: Sometimes referred pain is felt in arm, elbow, fingers and even thumb.
- Restricted movement: Due to pain, the victim might find it difficult in moving his/her neck. Due to stiffness, movement neck upwards is difficult, however, flexing down the neck is possible.
- Bladder control and balance: If the spinal cord is affected, there may be loss of bowel and bladder control.
- Tiredness and anxiety: Due to persistence fatigue and pain there may be a generalised feeling of anxiety and tiredness.
Diagnosing cervical spondylosis:
A physical exam may show that you have trouble moving your head toward your shoulder and also difficulty in rotating your head.
Diagnostic tests like a spine or neck x-ray, MRI of the neck will help your doctor confirm the condition
Cervical spondylosis treatment:
- If diagnosed, your doctor might prescribe analgesics and muscle relaxants to give you relief from pain and stiffness.
- Your doctor may prescribe physiotherapy, as it helps in improving muscular mobility and decreasing stiffness. Cervical traction, collars and posture correction are some of the techniques adopted by a physiotherapist while treating a cervical spondylosis patient.
- A surgery is advised if the degeneration is severe.
Simple exercises for cervical spondylosis:
Exercise 1: Turn your head slowly to the side, first to the left then return to centre and repeat towards right.
Exercise 2: Bring your chin towards the chest hold for a few seconds and return.
Exercise No: 4- Lower your head backwards try to see the ceiling, return.
Advisory: Please check with your physiotherapist before you do these exercises.
If you have neck pain, avoid the following:
- Bad, bouncy car rides
- Stressful sitting postures
- Lifting heavy weight and objects
- Lying flat on your stomach
Photograph courtesy sxc.hu