The key factors for developing ‘cervical spondylosis’ are age and improper use of the neck. In the past, cervical spondylosis usually occurred in people aged 50 and over because the bones degenerate with increasing age, making them more likely to develop cervical spondylosis than younger people. However, nowadays, we find cervical spondylosis increasingly in younger people, even in children, which may be due to lifestyle changes that accelerate neck bone degeneration. Therefore, it can be said that anyone can be at risk of cervical spondylosis without having to wait until they are older.
Causes of cervical spondylosis symptoms in young people
Cervical spondylosis in children often results from behaviors and environments that cause the neck bones to degenerate faster than normal. The risk factors causing premature cervical spondylosis in children include
- Genetics and underlying diseases that accelerate degeneration, including abnormalities of the intervertebral discs that make the neck bones more prone to degeneration.
- Posture during daily activities such as playing computer games or using mobile phones, which often involve improper neck positions continuously and frequently, like having the neck protruded while gaming or using a computer. This also includes other activities like lying face down while reading or lying on a low pillow for too long.
- Repetitive neck movements in the same position such as frequently bending the head down, looking up, or rotating the neck, as well as carrying heavy objects on the shoulders and neck.
- Accidents or direct impacts to the cervical spine.
- Sports that involve frequent impacts or collisions.
Symptoms indicating cervical spondylosis
Symptoms of cervical spondylosis often resemble office syndrome, with neck stiffness and pain around the neck, shoulder blades, shoulders, and upper arms. In severe cases, pain may radiate to the fingertips. Chronic pain lasting several years may lead to inability to walk and weakness in the legs and hands. Therefore, it is important to see a doctor as soon as warning symptoms appear for early treatment.
Treatment of cervical spondylosis in children
Treatment of cervical spondylosis can be done in two ways: non-surgical and surgical.
- Non-surgical for mild cases, treatment includes physical therapy, medication to relieve symptoms, and behavioral adjustments in daily life for long-term benefits. This involves correcting posture during various activities, regularly moving every 45 minutes when sitting at a computer, and avoiding activities that increase the risk of cervical spondylosis, such as prolonged mobile gaming.
For patients whose symptoms do not improve with medication, treatment with high-frequency sound waves that provide deep heat or nerve injections may be used. These methods have the advantage of not requiring anesthesia, thus reducing the risk of complications from surgery.
- Surgical treatment is suitable for patients with chronic symptoms, increasing pain, no improvement from physical therapy and medication, and weakness in the arms and legs that impairs daily living. Patients must undergo MRI scans to assess the severity and key areas of the lesions, which is part of the surgical planning process.
We can take care of ourselves to stay away from cervical spondylosis by frequently moving, changing positions often, not staying in the same posture for too long, avoiding prolonged neck bending while playing mobile games, exercising to build strength, stretching muscles, and adjusting walking, sitting, and sleeping postures appropriately. These measures can help reduce the risk of developing cervical spondylosis.
