How to do cervical traction for cervical spondylosis?

Written by Guan Yu Hua
Orthopedic Surgery
Updated on December 25, 2024
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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.

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Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
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Do cervical spondylosis patients fear cold?

Patients with cervical spondylosis are sensitive to cold. Exposure to cold can cause vasoconstriction and muscle contraction, thus aggravating the clinical symptoms of cervical spondylosis. Therefore, it is said that cervical spondylosis is sensitive to cold. Patients with cervical spondylosis should avoid cold environments and actively keep warm. It is recommended to persistently apply heat using a hot water bottle or salt bag twice daily, for at least thirty minutes each time for more noticeable effects. For those experiencing severe pain, oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be taken to alleviate pain. Additionally, topical plasters that activate blood circulation and disperse stasis can be used, along with therapies like acupuncture, electric heating, cupping, traction, and massage, which may progressively lead to recovery.

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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.

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Written by Liu Yan Hao
Neurology
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Does cervical spondylosis cause dizziness?

Not all cervical spondylosis will cause dizziness. Vertebral artery type cervical spondylosis can cause dizziness due to the hyperostosis of the cervical spine or changes in curvature that compress one of the vertebral arteries. When patients turn their heads to one side, the compressed vertebral artery cannot compensatory increase the blood flow, which does not lead to an increase in blood supply to the brain, resulting in insufficient cerebral blood supply and causing dizziness. A typical manifestation of these patients is that turning the head to one side intensifies the dizziness due to the reasons just mentioned, which is a typical symptom of dizziness caused by vertebral artery type cervical spondylosis. For treatment, drugs that invigorate blood circulation and improve cerebral blood supply are needed, along with cervical physiotherapy treatment. Generally, avoid sitting for too long, don’t use pillows that are too high, and pay attention to protecting your cervical spine. (Please follow professional medical advice for medication usage and do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Su Zhen Bo
Orthopedics
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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 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.)