Importance of Physiotherapy in Controlling Symptoms of Cervical Spondylosis

Overview

Spondylosis, as a term, describes the generalized natural aging process that affects the spinal structures in a degenerative way. Also used synonymously with the term cervical osteoarthritis, the primary cause for this is aging. It is a term for the wear and tear that the spinal disk in your neck endures over the years. It leads to the development of bony projections along the edges of the bones. An orthopaedist will treat spondylosis with a combination of medication and physiotherapy.

Occurrence

It predominantly becomes more and more significant as one ages. The majority of people above the age of 60 are affected by cervical spondylosis.

Symptoms

For most people, the condition usually causes no noticeable symptoms. When they are present, they appear in the form of unbearable neck pain and stiffness.

Also, sometimes cervical spondylosis may result in the narrowing of the space needed by the spinal cord and the nerve roots that pass through the spinal cord and attach to the rest of the body. In case the nerve roots or spinal cord are pinched, it may lead to:

Tingling, numbness and weakness in appendages
Lack of coordination, especially when it comes to walking
Decreased bladder or bowel control

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is recommended that you see a doctor as soon as possible. An orthopaedist will be able to guide you on the best way forward.

Causes and Risk Factors

As one ages, the bones and the cartilages degrade and wear out gradually. This wear and tear leads to changes like:

Herniated disks: Cracks appearing on the exterior surface, leading to bulging disks that are herniated.
Bone spurs: In a misguided effort for spine strengthening, the spine creates extra amounts of bone on the surface of the spine and this can lead to the pinching of the nerve roots and spinal cord.
Dehydrated disks: Disks begin drying out with age; as the disks act as a cushioning agent for the spinal cord, drying out may lead to more bone to bone contact.
Stiffening of Ligaments: It can also lead to the stiffening of spinal ligaments with age, making it less flexible.

Risk factors for this condition include increased age, occupations that involve a lot of hunching and an uncontrolled smoking habit. Try to keep away from these risk factors to keep the aforementioned symptoms at bay. Also, keep in mind that severe complications can lead to extreme compression of your spinal cord causing permanent damage.

Also Read: Neurological Physiotherapy

Treatment with Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy, when combined with appropriate medical care can result in wonders when it comes to the treatment of cervical spondylosis.

Treatment with physiotherapy will include:

Manual therapy of the thoracic spine for pain reduction and improving function, range of motion and addressing thoracic hypomobility.
Thrust manipulation of the thoracic spine in a supine or sitting position to enlarge the neural foramen, thus reducing neck stress in the process.
Thermal therapy for symptomatic relief.
Postural education involving the realignment of the spine while sitting and standing.

Physiotherapy alone can do little to heal and improve; it is recommended that physiotherapy be used as a supplement for surgery and medication related treatments.

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