What should I do about cervical spondylosis?

Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
Updated on September 08, 2024
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Having cervical spondylosis is not a big deal as long as you understand two things, which basically suffices. The first point is to determine the specific type of cervical spondylosis, as the treatment depends on the type, and different strategies are adopted for different types. The second point is to have a clear concept that once cervical spondylosis occurs, it is basically incurable. Therefore, it is essential to understand the concepts of healthcare and prevention. Let's discuss the types of cervical spondylosis. Clinically, cervical spondylosis is categorized into six types: cervical type, nerve root type, spinal type, sympathetic type, vertebral artery type, and mixed type. Cervical type cervical spondylosis generally does not require surgical treatment. The nerve root type responds best to traction. The spinal type generally requires surgical treatment. Vertebral artery type treatment involves treating both the cervical spine and arteriosclerosis. The mixed type involves the coexistence of two or more types of cervical spondylosis, and they are treated together. As for prevention, which is crucial for cervical spondylosis, it is important to pay attention to rest, maintain good sitting and standing postures, protect the cervical spine from cold, and perform appropriate cervical spine exercises to strengthen neck muscles. If cervical spondylosis episodes occur, remember not to self-medicate and seek proper treatment plans from a hospital.

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Written by Su Zhen Bo
Orthopedics
1min home-news-image

How to treat cervical spondylosis

The patient has cervical spondylosis and can be treated using traditional Chinese medicine methods. For instance, firstly, it's important to advise the patient to minimize the loading activities on the head and neck area and to keep warm. Regular bed rest is beneficial, and local treatment can be applied to the neck using traditional Chinese herbal medicine ion penetration, acupuncture, and moxibustion. These therapies stimulate effective acupuncture points in the neck, which can unblock the muscle meridians, restore normal circulation of qi and blood, and help the neck muscles absorb nutrients, increasing their strength, toughness, and elasticity. These treatments can also enhance the strength and density of the cervical vertebrae, reduce irritation to the spinal cord, nerves, and blood vessels, and alleviate the patient's clinical symptoms. Under the guidance of traditional Chinese medicine methods, manual therapies like massage can significantly relieve clinical symptoms.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
1min 33sec home-news-image

What should I do about cervical spondylosis?

Having cervical spondylosis is not a big deal as long as you understand two things, which basically suffices. The first point is to determine the specific type of cervical spondylosis, as the treatment depends on the type, and different strategies are adopted for different types. The second point is to have a clear concept that once cervical spondylosis occurs, it is basically incurable. Therefore, it is essential to understand the concepts of healthcare and prevention. Let's discuss the types of cervical spondylosis. Clinically, cervical spondylosis is categorized into six types: cervical type, nerve root type, spinal type, sympathetic type, vertebral artery type, and mixed type. Cervical type cervical spondylosis generally does not require surgical treatment. The nerve root type responds best to traction. The spinal type generally requires surgical treatment. Vertebral artery type treatment involves treating both the cervical spine and arteriosclerosis. The mixed type involves the coexistence of two or more types of cervical spondylosis, and they are treated together. As for prevention, which is crucial for cervical spondylosis, it is important to pay attention to rest, maintain good sitting and standing postures, protect the cervical spine from cold, and perform appropriate cervical spine exercises to strengthen neck muscles. If cervical spondylosis episodes occur, remember not to self-medicate and seek proper treatment plans from a hospital.

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Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
50sec home-news-image

How to exercise for cervical spondylosis

In general, for patients with cervical spondylosis, exercises such as swimming, playing badminton, flying kites, or performing "Mi Zi" exercises can effectively strengthen the neck muscles and thereby better protect the cervical spine. These are the exercise methods for cervical spondylosis. Additionally, patients should also pay attention to rest and protection, apply local heat, and combine treatments such as acupuncture, massage, traction, electrical stimulation, and cupping. For severe pain, topical ointments that invigorate blood and remove stasis can be used, along with oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, drugs that invigorate blood and remove stasis, and drugs that nourish the nerves. (Specific medications should be taken under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Li Jie
Orthopedics
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What to do if cervical spondylosis causes vomiting?

Vertebral artery type cervical spondylosis may cause nausea and vomiting. This is because the vertebral artery runs through the transverse foramen in the cervical spine. If the patient has cervical disc herniation or cervical hyperostosis that compresses the vertebral artery in the transverse foramen, it can cause spasm of the vertebral artery. This leads to insufficient blood supply to the brain, resulting in symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and blurred vision. Once these symptoms occur, we recommend that patients first limit the movement of the cervical spine. Secondly, some drugs that improve microcirculation and alleviate cerebral ischemia can be used. Thirdly, antiemetic medications, which are also commonly used clinically, can be employed. If conservative treatment is ineffective and the condition recurs frequently, surgical treatment should be considered. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Guan Yu Hua
Orthopedic Surgery
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How to do cervical traction for cervical spondylosis?

Cervical traction therapy can restore the physiological curvature of the cervical spine to relieve the compression of nerves and blood vessels caused by cervical spondylosis. You can purchase a cervical traction device from a pharmaceutical company or pharmacy, as it is a ready-made product. Additionally, there is an integrated traction belt made from canvas, which grips the forehead, lower jaw, and the back of the head. The belt then folds into a triangle shape upwards, with a loop in the middle through which a rope is threaded. This rope can be hung from a beam or a traction frame. By holding the rope, you perform a neck traction exercise by pulling upwards. This vertical traction can alleviate the symptoms of cervical spondylosis. It is recommended to perform traction once or twice daily, ideally morning and evening, with each session lasting about 20 minutes. Typically, symptoms can be relieved in about seven to ten days, and this is quite beneficial for cervical spondylosis. Additionally, when sleeping, try to use a low pillow, and avoid prolonged periods of bending your head down or engaging in activities such as working at a desk, playing mahjong, reading, or using a computer. Generally, following these guidelines can help prevent the recurrence of cervical spondylosis.