Benefits of Physiotherapy for Cervical Spondylosis

Benefits of Physiotherapy for Cervical Spondylosis

What is cervical spondylosis?

Cervical spondylosis refers to the progressive degenerative changes in the cervical spine, including the intervertebral discs, facet joints, and other structural components. This condition is a natural part of aging and is commonly seen in individuals over 50. It can lead to symptoms such as neck pain, stiffness, and, in some cases, radicular symptoms like tingling or numbness due to nerve compression. Neck pain, being one of the most widespread conditions globally, significantly impacts daily life and can lead to disability if left untreated.

If you are experiencing symptoms of cervical spondylosis, it is crucial to seek treatment. One of the best conservative approaches for managing this condition is physiotherapy. Physiotherapy offers effective methods to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and enhance your overall quality of life. You can easily find physiotherapy services nearby, such as Physiotherapy Cyberjaya, to start your recovery journey.

Sign and symptoms 

Cervical spondylosis can present in three main forms:

1. Non-specific neck pain: Pain localized to the neck or spine.
2. Cervical radiculopathy: Symptoms like pain, numbness, or weakness that follow the nerve path, often affecting the arms.
3. Cervical myelopathy: A more severe condition involving spinal cord damage, leading to numbness, coordination problems, difficulty walking, weak grip, and sometimes bowel or bladder issues.

The symptoms vary depending on the stage of the condition and where the nerves are compressed. While imaging might show spondylosis, some people with such findings have no symptoms, and others may have severe symptoms even with minor abnormalities. This makes it challenging to distinguish between normal aging and disease.

The most common symptom is pain, typically felt in the neck, shoulders, arms, or between the shoulder blades. In some cases, the pain may be unusual, such as chest or breast pain, or present as a chronic headache radiating to the base of the neck or the skull.

Other symptoms include tingling, muscle weakness, and in severe cases, swallowing or airway difficulties. Central cord syndrome, which can cause significant motor and sensory issues, may also occur in advanced cases.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s essential to seek treatment to manage the condition effectively.

Risk Factors for Cervical Spondylosis

Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing cervical spondylosis, including:

1. Age: The condition is most common as a natural part of aging.
2. Occupation: Jobs that require repetitive neck movements, uncomfortable postures, or frequent overhead work can put extra strain on the neck.
3. Neck Injuries: Previous neck injuries can heighten the risk of developing cervical spondylosis.
4. Genetic Factors: Some individuals, particularly those with a family history, may experience these changes more quickly or severely.
5. Smoking: Smoking has been associated with an increased risk of neck pain and may worsen cervical spondylosis.

Causes of Cervical Spondylosis

As people age, the structures in the neck and spine gradually experience wear and tear. This natural aging process can lead to:

1. Dehydrated Disks: The spinal disks, which act as cushions between the vertebrae, begin to dry out and shrink around the age of 40. This shrinkage results in more bone-on-bone contact between the vertebrae.
   
   
2. Herniated Disks: Cracks may form on the outer layer of the spinal disks, allowing the soft inner material to push through. In some cases, this material presses on the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing pain and other symptoms.
   
   
3. Bone Spurs: As disks deteriorate, the body may produce extra bone to try to stabilize the spine. These bone spurs can sometimes press on the spinal cord or nerves, leading to discomfort and nerve-related issues.
   
   
4. Stiff Ligaments: Ligaments, which connect bones, can become stiffer with age. This stiffness reduces neck flexibility and may contribute to pain and reduced range of motion.

These age-related changes are the primary causes of cervical spondylosis, emphasizing the importance of maintaining neck health and seeking treatment if symptoms develop.

Management

The treatment for cervical spondylosis depends on how severe the symptoms are. If there are no serious signs like nerve damage, the goal is to relieve pain, help with daily activities, and prevent long-term damage to nerves. The approach starts with non-surgical methods.

1. Medications:

Pain relief starts with NSAIDs, steroids, muscle relaxants, and antidepressants. If pain persists, stronger medications like opioids may be used short-term, but combining medication with physical therapy is more effective.

2. Supportive Equipment:

A soft cervical collar can help with acute pain, but should not be worn for more than 2-3 weeks. A cervical pillow used at night helps maintain proper neck alignment and relieves discomfort.

3. Invasive Treatments:

If other treatments don’t work, options like steroid injections or radiofrequency treatments may be considered. Studies show that around 50% of patients experience significant pain relief after cervical injections.

Physiotherapy 

Physiotherapy plays a vital role in managing cervical spondylosis, offering a non-invasive, effective approach to relieve pain, restore function, and prevent further degeneration of the cervical spine. It combines various techniques to target symptoms and improve overall well-being:

1. Pain Relief

Physiotherapists use techniques like electrotherapy (e.g., Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation – TENS) to reduce pain and inflammation. Electrotherapy helps block pain signals and promotes healing by stimulating blood flow to the affected areas.

2. Manual Therapy

Manual therapy involves hands-on techniques, such as joint mobilization and soft tissue manipulation, to improve neck mobility, reduce stiffness, and relieve muscle tension. This therapy helps restore normal function to the spine and surrounding muscles, reducing discomfort.

3. Therapeutic Exercises

Therapeutic exercises are tailored to improve the strength and flexibility of the neck, shoulders, and upper back. These exercises target the muscles supporting the cervical spine, enhancing stability and reducing strain. They also help to increase range of motion, alleviate stiffness, and prevent further injury by correcting muscle imbalances.

4. Improved Posture

Physiotherapists also focus on posture correction through specialized exercises and ergonomic guidance. By improving posture, physiotherapy helps distribute mechanical load more evenly across the spine, reducing pressure on the affected areas.

5. Prevention of Further Degeneration

Regular physiotherapy sessions help manage symptoms and prevent the progression of cervical spondylosis by improving muscle strength, joint mobility, and posture. This proactive approach can reduce the risk of future complications such as nerve compression or spinal cord involvement.

Conclusion

In conclusion, physiotherapy is an essential and effective treatment for managing cervical spondylosis. By utilizing a combination of electrotherapy, manual therapy, and therapeutic exercises, physiotherapists help reduce pain, improve mobility, and strengthen the muscles supporting the cervical spine. This comprehensive approach not only provides immediate relief but also prevents further degeneration and enhances long-term neck health. For those experiencing symptoms of cervical spondylosis, seeking professional physiotherapy can significantly improve quality of life and help maintain spinal function. You can choose Synapse Physiotherapy, and our team will help guide you on the path to recovery.