Cervical Spondylosis
Introduction
With the advancement in age, people have to face many old age body ailments that create impedes to run a reg life. The more people grow older, the bones in the body get weaker and vulnerable. The requirement of proteins and calcium escalates. Hence, the body needs more concentration and care. Cervical spondylosis is one such disorder that is a significant issue that needs discussion.
What is Cervical Spondylosis?
Cervical spondylosis affiliated
with age-related disorder that harms the joints and discs in the cervical spine
that is in the neck. The disorder is also familiar with the name cervical
osteoarthritis or neck arthritis.
The disorder develops
from the wear and tear of cartilage and bones that are mainly the result of age
but, other factors may also trigger the issue.
In this disorder, the
disks dehydrate and shrink, developing the signs of osteoarthritis, including
bony projections.
What are the
Symptoms of Cervical Spondylosis?
Cervical spondylosis does not show any significant symptoms, but if the symptoms do occur, it gradually enhances and ranges from mild to severe.
The common symptoms are pain
around the shoulder blade, arm, and in the fingers. The pain mostly triggers
when the body is in different positions like:
- § Standing
- § Constant sitting.
- § Severely coughing
- § Sneezing and
- §Tilting the neck backward.
Some other signs
are:
- § Headache in the back of the head.
- § Stiff neck
- § Numbness and tingling in the shoulder, arms, and
legs.
Other common symptoms are muscle
weakness and loss of balance that needs immediate medical attention. Also,
over the counter pain relievers may help in reducing the pain that causes
trouble. These medicines are available in any online pharmacy in India.
What Causes Cervical
Spondylosis?
With the advancement in age, the
bones, and cartilage that make up the backbone and neck gradually weaken and
develop wear and tear that cause cervical spondylosis.
Some causes of the
condition include:
Bone spurs: Bones spurs refer to the overgrowth of bones that
make the spine stronger. These extra bones can press on the delicate areas of
the vertebral, and nerves trigger the pain.
Dehydrated spinal
discs: The spinal bones have discs
between them that are thick and could bear the shock of twisting, lifting, and
other activities. However, when the gel-like material inside the discs gets dry
over time, it causes the bones to rub together more and develop severe
pain.
Herniated Discs: When spinal discs show cracks, it allows leakage
of the internal cushioning substance. This leaked material presses on the
spinal cord and nerves resulting in arm numbness and pain.
Injury: Any severe damage to the neck can accelerate the
aging process and develops the disorder.
Ligament stiffness: The hard cords that connect the spinal bones
become even stiffer over time that affects the neck movement and tightens the
neck movement.
Overuse: When the body gets overused in any cases like
construction work or constant sitting for a long hour while earning bread and
butter for the family. These put pressure on the spine resulting in advanced
wear and tear.
How to Diagnose
Cervical Spondylosis?
The concerned doctor will diagnose
the disorder by conducting a few tests to analyze the body movement that will
determine the affected nerves, muscles, and bones. It also helps the doctor to
decide to refer to an orthopedic specialist or neurologist for further
tests.
Also, the diagnosis process
includes physical examinations like analyzing the walking pattern of the
patient to know the amount of pressure the patient’s neck or spinal cord is
bearing. The doctor may further suggest for few imaging tests like X-rays, CT
scans, MRI.
What are the
Treatment and Medication for Cervical Spondylosis?
The main target of treating cervical spondylosis is to concentrate on pain relief, lowering the risk of permanent damage, and helping the patient to live a regular life. However, nonsurgical methods are effective in dealing with the disorder. The concerned doctor may suggest physical therapy by referring to a specialist that will provide ultimate pain relief.
However, treatment and
medication run parallelly to get rid of the disorder at the fastest. Over the
counter pain reliever is always provided the best result in relieving the
severe pain caused by cervical spondylosis. Some of the medications are:
- § Cyclobenzaprine: to treat muscle spasm.
- § Hydrocodone works as a pain reliever.
- § Gabapentin helps in pain relief caused by
nerve damage.
- §
Prednisone injection to
reduce tissue inflammation. For this injection, the patient can search by
serving the internet typing home delivery medicine shop India.
Few home treatment
options are:
- § Regular minor exercise.
- § OTC pain relievers
- § Use of heating pad or cold pad on the neck that
will provide pain relief.
Conclusion:
Cervical spondylosis is a
significant disorder that needs immediate medical help as the pain developed by
the issue may hinder daily activities. Many people experience no symptoms, but
when the symptoms do occur, the best possible way to deal with the issue is
nonsurgical treatment. It provides the best result other than surgical
treatment. Also, the patient must avoid physical activities or lifting a heavy
object to escape severeness and life threats.