Understanding and Managing Cervical Spondylosis: Your Path to Neck Pain Relief

-Anmol Thomas, MSK & Sports Physiotherapist

Neck pain? Stiffness? Do you sometimes feel tingling or numbness down your arm? You might be experiencing Cervical Spondylosis. Don’t worry, you’re not alone! This common condition affects many people, especially as we age. At INSPIRE Physiotherapy and Sports Rehabilitation, we’re here to help you understand what Cervical Spondylosis is and how physiotherapy can significantly improve your quality of life.

What is Cervical Spondylosis?

Cervical Spondylosis is essentially age-related wear and tear of the discs and joints in your neck. The cervical spine, the part of your spine in your neck, is made up of vertebrae separated by discs. Over time, these discs can dry out and shrink, and bony spurs can develop. This can lead to:

• Disc Degeneration: The discs lose their cushioning ability.
• Osteoarthritis: The cartilage that cushions the joints wears down.
• Bone Spurs: Extra bone growth that can put pressure on nerves.
• Ligament Stiffness: Ligaments that connect the bones become less flexible.

Symptoms of Cervical Spondylosis:

Symptoms can vary, but common ones include:

• Neck pain and stiffness
• Headaches
• Pain that radiates down your arm (radiculopathy)
• Numbness or tingling in your arms and hands
• Weakness in your arms and hands
• Loss of balance or coordination (in severe cases)

What Causes Cervical Spondylosis?

The primary cause is aging. However, other factors can contribute:

• Genetics: A family history of neck problems.
• Occupational Factors: Repetitive neck movements or poor posture.
• Injuries: Previous neck injuries.
• Lifestyle: Smoking, and lack of exercise.

How Physiotherapy Can Help:

Physiotherapy is a cornerstone of managing Cervical Spondylosis. At INSPIRE Physiotherapy and Sports Rehabilitation, our tailored treatment plans focus on:

• Pain Management: Using modalities such as manual therapy, exercise therapy
• Improving Neck Mobility: Through gentle stretches and exercises.
• Strengthening Neck Muscles: crucial for stability and pain reduction,
•  Posture Correction: Educating you on proper posture to reduce strain on your neck.
• Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques to mobilize joints and soft tissues.
• Education: Providing you with the tools to manage your condition at home.

Exercises for Cervical Spondylosis:

• Neck stretches: Gentle side-to-side and forward-and-backward movements.
• Isometric neck exercises: Pressing your head against your hand in different directions.
• Chin tucks: Gently pulling your chin back to improve posture.

Why Choose INSPIRE?

We understand that Cervical Spondylosis can be challenging. Our experienced physiotherapists provide personalized care, using evidence-based techniques to help you regain function and reduce pain. We focus on a holistic approach, considering your overall health and well-being.

Conclusion

Cervical Spondylosis doesn’t have to limit your life. With the right physiotherapy treatment, you can manage your symptoms and improve your neck health. Contact INSPIRE Physiotherapy and Sports Rehabilitation today to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards a pain-free neck.

Disclaimer- This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis & treatment.

References:

1.  Kuo, Daniel T., and Prasanna Tadi. “Cervical spondylosis.” StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing, 2023.
2. Kachhadiya, Roshni G., et al. “A Review on Advanced Physiotherapy Treatment for Cervical Spondylosis.”
3. Luyao, Huo, et al. “Management of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy: a systematic review.” Global spine journal 12.8 (2022): 1912-1924.
4. Saleh, Marwa Shafiek Mustafa, Nagwa Ibrahim Rehab, and Moussa Abdel Fattah Sharaf. “Effect of deep cervical flexors training on neck proprioception, pain, muscle strength and dizziness in patients with cervical spondylosis: A randomized controlled trial.” Phys Ther Rehabil 5.1 (2018): 14.
5. Al-Mutairi, Atef Mohammed Faleg, et al. “Cervical Spondylosis: Innovative Techniques for Physical Therapy-An Updated Review.” Journal of Ecohumanism 3.8 (2024): 13195-13209.
6. Azemi, Arjeta, et al. “THE EFFECT OF DYNAMIC EXERCISES IN THE TREATMENT OF CERVICAL SPONDYLOSIS.” Research in Physical Education, Sport & Health 7.2 (2018).
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