How is cervical spondylosis treated?

Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
Updated on September 15, 2024
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The treatment plan is primarily determined by the severity of the patient's cervical spondylosis. If the cervical spondylosis is very severe, for instance, if the patient suffers from leg pain, numbness, and instability while walking, and conservative treatment fails to improve these symptoms, significantly affecting the patient's normal functions, it is essential to actively conduct CT and MRI scans. If the patient has a significant disc herniation and severe spinal canal stenosis, surgical treatment becomes necessary. Typically, the surgery requires general anesthesia and is performed either from the anterior or posterior approach of the cervical spine. The procedure involves the removal of the disc and decompression of the spinal canal, followed by intervertebral bone grafting and fusion surgery.

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Written by Li Jin
Orthopedics
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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 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 Liu Yan Hao
Neurology
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Symptoms of cervical vertigo

Cervical spondylosis dizziness typically occurs in the case of vertebral artery type cervical spondylosis, where the patient experiences episodes or exacerbation of dizziness when turning the head to one side. This is because, in vertebral artery type cervical spondylosis, due to bone hyperplasia or changes in curvature of the cervical spine, one side's vertebral artery is compressed. When the patient turns their head to the other side, the healthy vertebral artery is also compressed. At this time, the vertebral artery compressed by the bone hyperplasia cannot compensatively increase the blood flow, leading to insufficient cerebral blood supply, resulting in symptoms of dizziness or worsening dizziness. This is a typical manifestation of dizziness associated with cervical spondylosis. Treatment includes the use of drugs that invigorate the blood and improve cerebral blood supply, in conjunction with cervical physiotherapy. It is important to protect your cervical spine regularly, and avoid using a pillow that is too high at night. (Please take medication under the guidance of a doctor)

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Written by Li Jin
Orthopedics
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Do cervical spondylosis patients fear the cold?

Cold weather has certain effects on patients with cervical spondylosis, as cold weather can impact blood circulation, which may aggravate symptoms of neck pain and discomfort. Therefore, patients with cervical spondylosis should pay attention to protecting their neck and keeping warm during cold weather. Cervical spondylosis is primarily caused by degenerative changes in the cervical spine, chronic wear and tear, leading to neck pain, limited movement, and sensory and functional impairments. Therefore, patients with cervical spondylosis should also focus on resting, maintaining good posture, and may use heat applications, physical therapy, functional exercises for the neck, or medications to improve symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.

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Written by Liu Yan Hao
Neurology
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Cervical vertigo characteristics

Dizziness is a typical symptom of cervical spondylosis, usually exacerbated when the patient turns their head to one side. In a normal person, when turning the head to one side, the vertebral artery on that side might be compressed, but the opposite vertebral artery can compensate by increasing blood flow, preventing cerebral insufficiency and dizziness. Conversely, in a patient with cervical spondylosis, due to osteophyte formation or changes in the curvature of the cervical spine, the vertebral artery on one side may be compressed. When the patient turns their head to the other side, the compressed vertebral artery cannot compensate by increasing blood flow, leading to insufficient cerebral blood supply and an increase in dizziness or the onset of dizziness symptoms. This explains the characteristics and mechanism of dizziness caused by cervical spondylosis.