The word ''osis'' means degeneration. So, cervical spondylosis is the degeneration of the cervical (neck) spine that usually involves the lower cervical spine. Disc degeneration occurs with the loss of mucopolysaccharide and proportionately the water content of the collagen fibers. The disc height is decreased, and gradually it is converted to a fibrous mass. As a result, the mobility of the spine decreases. The energy attenuation capacity of the disc reduces. So, the vertebral body will be subjected to a greater load. There occurs compensatory bony proliferation with marginal osteophyte formation. It continues to IV foramen stenosis, compression of the exiting nerve root, and may give rise to radiculopathy. Degeneration is a slow process during which the nerve root may accommodate within the stenosis foramen without giving rise to any symptoms.
Causes:
Injury, overactivity, and doing unaccustomed activities may result in injury of the nerve root, inflammation, impairment of the circulation, ischemia, and onset of radicular pain (the pain will radiate to hands and palms, a tingling type of pain).
Symptoms:
Symptoms can vary as an insidious onset of neck pain with or without radiating down to the hand, palm, and scapular region. The onset of symptoms with some known trauma, where the pain is reproduced or worsened with neck movement, and relief is obtained with rest.
Posture - often occurs in head forward posture. Cervical kyphosis or flattening of the cervical spine may be present.
Physiotherapy Management:
The aim of physiotherapy is to restore the movement and reduce pain. The steps include:
- Correct the posture.
- Strengthen the neck muscles.
- Relax the muscles around the neck.
- Stretch the tight structure.
- Avoid using a high pillow and soft mattress.
- Give the part maximum rest.
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For more information consult a spine health specialist online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/spine-health-specialist