Cervical spondylosis symptoms and causes:-
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF SPONDYLOSIS OF THE NECK :–
- Pain
- Stiffness in cervical region
- Pain radiation:– Patient may present with pain radiating to the shoulderor downwards on the outer aspect of the forearm and hand.
- Giddiness
- Occipital headache
- Tingling,numbness sensation in hand ,forearm
Etiology of cervical spondylosis:-
- It is a degenerative disease of the cervical spine found almost every persons over 60 years of age.
- It occurs early in persons those keeping the neck constantly in one position while reading, writing eg:- computer operator kind work.
PATHOLOGY :–
- Dengenration of disc
- Reduction of disc space
- Peripheral osteophyte formation
- Osteophyte causes pressure in the nerve roots
- Give rise to pain
MOST COMMON SITE :– C5-C6
EXAMINATION :- Tenderness over the lower cervical spine
INVESTIGATIONS :- (1) X-RAY :- Narrowing of intervertebral disc spaces, osteophytes may present
(2) MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
TREATMENTS :- Consists of self care and pain medications
SELF CARE :-
Warm compress, ice packs, avoid to keep the neck in one position for a long time, thin pillow should be used, traction of neck, physical therapies, hot fomentation.
PAIN MEDICATIONS :-
- Analgesics may be used. eg. diclofenac .
- Antiemetic should be used if giddiness is there.
What is the best treatments for cervical spondylosis :-
- There are many non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs) available over the counter.
- corticosteroids
- Anti emetics drugs
- Muscle relaxants
What should be avoided in cervical spondylosis:-
- Avoid keeping neck in one position for a long time
- Take a break for 10-15min between work
- Dont sleep with high pillow
- Reduce weight.
SURGERY:- In severe cases where the spinal cord compressed by osteophytes , surgical decompression is neccessary.
Can ayurveda cure cervical spondylosis :-
Many preparations of gugglu, dasmool kwath, GREEVA BASTI, swedana therapy, panchkarma procedure have good results in this disease.
Agnikarma therapy has a promising result in cervical spondylosis.
Lakshadi gugglu is good in osteophyte condition.