How to treat cervical spondylosis?

Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
Updated on September 21, 2024
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The treatment of cervical spondylosis is symptomatic, and it is first necessary to determine the type of cervical spondylosis, and then treat it according to its classification. Cervical type cervical spondylosis usually does not require surgery and can be managed with conservative treatment. Nerve root type cervical spondylosis is the most common type seen in clinical practice and responds particularly well to traction therapy. Additionally, oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and nerve nutrients can also be used. Spinal cord type cervical spondylosis usually cannot be managed conservatively, or may require surgery after a short period of conservative treatment. This type is the most frequently operated on in clinical practice for cervical spondylosis. The fourth type is the sympathetic nerve type cervical spondylosis, which is very complex to diagnose. It often causes some internal system diseases, such as high blood pressure or heart disease. However, these conditions often improve as the cervical spondylosis improves. The fifth type is vertebral artery type cervical spondylosis, which typically causes symptoms of insufficient cerebral blood supply. Therefore, treatment of cervical spondylosis also requires addressing arteriosclerosis. Mixed type cervical spondylosis refers to the simultaneous occurrence of two types of cervical spondylosis, and treatment involves managing both types concurrently. Thus, the treatment of cervical spondylosis first requires determining the specific type you have and then carrying out symptomatic treatment for that specific type.

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Written by Li Jin
Orthopedics
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How to alleviate cervical spondylosis?

Patients with cervical spondylosis are advised to do the following, which can help alleviate the symptoms of the condition. Patients should develop correct habits of using their necks in daily life, such as avoiding prolonged sitting with the head bowed down, and move the neck appropriately after sitting for a long time; they can also perform some medical neck exercises; additionally, it is important to use a slightly lower pillow during sleep and to keep the neck warm. These measures can help maintain the physiological curvature of the cervical spine and improve symptoms of neck discomfort. When patients with cervical spondylosis experience symptoms such as pain, they can also use anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications, and apply methods like heat therapy to improve symptoms; when the symptoms are severe, it is necessary to visit the hospital for further medical consultation, to clarify the specific condition, and then receive targeted treatment.

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Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
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How to relieve cervical spondylosis?

For the issue of alleviating cervical spondylosis, usually, patients need to pay attention to rest and protection, apply local heat, avoid looking down for long periods or keeping the neck in one position. Routine activities such as swimming, flying kites, or playing badminton can help strengthen the neck muscles and thereby better protect the cervical spine. Additionally, patients should use medications that expand blood vessels, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers, and drugs that nourish the nerves, and combine these with acupuncture, massage, traction, massage, electrotherapy, and cupping therapy. These physiotherapeutic methods are more beneficial for the clinical symptoms improvement of patients with cervical spondylosis. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Sun Shu Jian
Orthopedics
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How to treat cervical spondylosis by oneself?

Self-treatment for cervical spondylosis can adopt the following methods: First, correct daily behaviors to avoid excessive strain, load, and stress on the neck, such as avoiding prolonged desk work, and frequent usage of smartphones while looking downward, to prevent the neck muscles from being in a state of prolonged tension. Second, regularly perform appropriate cervical spine health exercises, such as the "Mi Zi" exercise and neck muscle resistance training, etc. Third, locally apply methods like heat therapy, infrared radiation, electromagnetic therapy, and ultrasound for self-treatment. Fourth, treatment can also include the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs, medications that nourish the nerves and those that relieve muscle tension.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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Treatment of Cervical Spondylosis

The treatment of cervical spondylosis includes two aspects. The first is non-surgical treatment, which mainly involves immobilization of the neck, followed by physical therapy for the neck, including massage, acupuncture, and treatments with microwaves or shock waves, as well as cervical traction. Prevention is also important, which includes correcting poor work postures and sleeping positions. If the pain is very severe, one might consider taking some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers, etc. Secondly, if there is severe pain due to nerve root type or spinal cord type cervical spondylosis, and there is evident neurological dysfunction, or if the symptoms of cervical spondylosis usually do not alleviate or even worsen after systematic and conservative treatment, surgery is often required. Therefore, the treatment of cervical spondylosis generally includes both non-surgical and surgical treatments, and the specific method used depends on the condition of the disease.

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Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
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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.)