Features of headaches caused by cervical spondylosis

Written by Kuang Tao

Orthopedics

Updated on November 12, 2024

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Cervical spondylosis can also cause headaches, and the headaches caused by cervical spondylosis have their own characteristics compared to headaches caused by other reasons. Headaches resulting from cervical spondylosis generally stem from the irritation or compression of the cervical vertebrae and vertebral arteries due to the growth of cervical bone spurs, leading to constriction of these arteries and insufficient blood supply to the cerebral arteries, causing headaches and dizziness. Typically, these headaches are accompanied by symptoms of dizziness. Additionally, the headache is related to the movement of the neck and cervical spine, and neck movements can intensify the headache.

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Written by Su Zhen Bo

Orthopedics

1min 1sec

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What is cervical spondylosis and what are the symptoms of cervical spondylosis?

In clinical practice, cervical spondylosis refers to the condition where the cervical spine experiences growth and degeneration of bone tissues, along with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament, exerting pressure and irritation on the spinal cord, nerves, and blood vessels. This results in a series of symptoms of nerve compression, which can be diagnosed as cervical spondylosis. After developing cervical spondylosis, a patient may exhibit increased muscle tone in the limbs and weakened muscular strength. Symptoms include numbness in the limbs, which can affect walking activities. When walking, there may be a sensation as if stepping on cotton, and pathological reflexes can appear in the lower limbs. Additionally, some patients may experience dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Diagnostic clarity can be achieved through electromyography, cervical spine X-rays, CT scans, and MRI.

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Written by Li Xin

Pediatric Orthopedics

1min 19sec

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Differentiated diagnosis of cervical spondylosis

The differential diagnosis of cervical spondylosis should be described according to the four types of cervical spondylosis. First, for myelopathic cervical spondylosis, the differential diagnosis mainly includes amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and syringomyelia. Second, for radicular cervical spondylosis, the differential diagnosis primarily involves distinguishing it from thoracic outlet syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, radial tunnel syndrome, and ulnar tunnel syndrome. These syndromes are all characterized by localized bony or fibrous entrapment of nerves, whereas the compressive factors in radicular cervical spondylosis include herniated cervical discs and hyperplastic uncovertebral joints. This can be confirmed through physical examination, radiological analysis, and electromyography. Third, for vertebral artery type cervical spondylosis, it should be differentiated from vestibular disorders, cerebrovascular disease, and eye disorders, while also excluding Ménière's syndrome. Fourth, for sympathetic cervical spondylosis, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases should be excluded. X-ray imaging of the cervical spine in dynamic positions may initially reveal cervical instability.

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Written by Li Jie

Orthopedics

36sec

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Cervical spondylosis cupping locations

We can roughly divide into two main categories. The first category is the Ashi points. What this means is using the pain point as the location for cupping. We can press the most painful part and use that as the center point for cupping; this is one method. The second method is the meridian acupoint method. We can perform a cupping treatment on the acupoints in the neck area, through which the treatment flows. For example, acupoints such as the Dazhui, Fengchi, and Fengmen in the neck area can all serve as the central points for cupping.

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Written by Li Jin

Orthopedics

49sec

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Symptoms of cervical spondylosis

Cervical spondylosis is mainly caused by long-term strain and degenerative changes in the cervical spine. When the spinal cord, nerve roots, or vertebral artery are compressed, a series of symptoms can occur. The symptoms of cervical spondylosis are very complex, mainly manifested as weakness in the upper limbs, numbness in the fingers, weakness in the lower limbs, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, palpitations, and heart palpitations. Therefore, when these symptoms occur, one can go to the hospital for examination or combine imaging studies, such as CT and MRI of the cervical spine, to clarify the specific condition of the cervical spondylosis. Subsequently, targeted treatment measures can be taken based on the symptoms.

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Written by Na Hong Wei

Orthopedics

1min 3sec

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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.