Cervical spondylosis - how to maintain the health of the spine

represents a condition that is part of the arthrosis category. In cervical spondylosis, degenerative changes occur in the cervical spine. Most of the time it appears with aging, starting to make its presence felt especially after the age of 55. Initially, 2-3 cervical vertebrae are affected. Article content\n \n \n . ro or from the SfatulMedicului mobile application (iOS, Android)\n .

You can feel sensitivity disorders in the upper limbs such as paresthesias (\. Occipital pain may also be present. The pain can be applied when moving the head or even when you cough or sneeze. In the morning there may be a feeling of stiffness in the neck and shoulders. The pain from cervical spondylosis is more pronounced in the winter and gets better in the summer when it's warm.

Factors that can influence the occurrence of cervical spondylosis:\r\n. During the physical examination, there may be paravertebral muscle contractions, a decrease in osteotendinous reflexes in the upper limbs and a reduction in mobility in the cervical segment observed after examination with certain tests. These tests that are done to check the mobility of the cervical spine are: chin-sternum, occiput-wall and tragus-acromion distance. From an imaging point of view, to begin with, a frontal and profile radiograph are sufficient in the case of uncomplicated spondylosis. Degenerative changes can be observed here, such as: the narrowing of the joint space, the presence of anterior or posterior vertebral (\.

In the case of the presence of symptoms considered worrisome such as neurological or ophthalmological manifestations, the doctor may also recommend a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or a computed tomography (CT) scan. . Drug\r\n . Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs aim to combat pain and inflammation. They should not be used for a long time, a cure being a maximum of 10 days.

Patients suffering from hypertension should not consume non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In extreme cases and only on the doctor's recommendation, he can prescribe weak opioid analgesics indicated for moderately severe pain or muscle relaxants. More recently, there is also a varied range of external treatment options that can temporarily relieve pain. Popular choices are sprays, gels, creams and patches. Physical-kinetic treatment\r\n.

Physical treatment includes electrotherapy procedures with analgesic, anti-inflammatory and decontracting purposes, hydrotherapy, massage, local thermotherapy. Low frequency currents (TENS, diadynamic current or Trabert), ultrasound or paravertebral ionization with anti-inflammatory substances can be part of the treatment sheet. Physical therapy aims at postural re-education of the cervical spine and shoulder girdle. Isometric and muscle toning exercises will be performed on the cervical and back muscles. Exercises are performed with eyes open, without sudden movements and without forcing their continuation if pain occurs.

It is possible that at first the feeling of dizziness will appear. Spa treatment\r\n. There are also resorts with sulphurous waters, such as Baile Herculane, Calimanesti-Caciulata, Olanesti, and others. The evolution of spondylosis is generally slow and cannot be stopped. it cannot be cured, but the symptoms it causes can be controlled with appropriate treatment.

From clinical practice, a large number of patients suffering from cervical spondylosis claim that the pain has improved after physical-kinetic treatment. Avoiding and regularly performing specific physical therapy exercises for the cervical area at home can help prevent spondylosis. Performing exercises every day can slow down the degenerative process of the spine. It is to be avoided the exercise of rotating the head which further compresses the space between the vertebrae and can put pressure on the vertebral arteries with a decrease in blood circulation to the brain. At the same time, it can cause compression of the nerve root of the cervical spine.

Sleeping on a thin pillow or a memory foam cervical orthopedic pillow is recommended. Also, reading in bed or using the phone is not recommended. Doing these activities, we keep the neck bent and put pressure on the cervical spine and the muscles in the area. For the awareness of vicious positions and to limit the risks, cervical collars can be worn. They can be rigid or soft.

They should be used on the doctor's prescription to see which is the right collar for you. There are risks in their use such as: local irritation, pressure injury or more serious complications such as fainting. The activities that make us keep our neck in hyperextension are limited as much as possible, i. e. the movement of letting the head back and keeping it in this position for a longer time should be avoided (example: washing at the hairdresser's).

Problems related to the spine are found all over the globe and require our attention because we can hit them at any time. The measures we take belong only to us and it is important to try to educate ourselves on what we can do to suffer as little as possible. Thus, the life choices we make can influence our well-being. Osteoarticular and muscle recovery treatment that includes and must be done regularly because they lead to the improvement of symptoms specific to cervical spondylosis and can prevent the recurrence of symptoms. Bibliography:\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n\n \n \n .

Bojinca Mihai\n . IOAN CANTACUZINO\n \n \n . university. Mihaela Milicescu\n . IOAN CANTACUZINO\n \n \n .

Florina Gabriela Udrea\n . IOAN CANTACUZINO\n \n \n . university. Violeta Bojinca\n . MARIA (GRIVITA Clinical Hospital)\n \n \n .

Denisa Predeteanu\n . .