Common neck pain symptoms mostly result from neck muscles or ligaments being strained, sprained, or bruised, which are usually not severe and can heal on their own. However, if you experience frequent or prolonged symptoms, you should get a proper diagnosis to determine whether it is caused by ‘cervical spondylosis’ because if cervical spondylosis is left untreated, it can lead to serious complications in the future.
What is cervical spondylosis?
Cervical spondylosis is a condition where the components of the cervical spine degenerate due to aging and regular improper neck posture. When the cervical spine degenerates, it affects the functioning of various nerves in the body. The cervical spine consists of four main components:
- Cervical intervertebral discs
- Anterior cervical vertebrae
- Lateral cervical facet joints, and
- Ligaments around the cervical vertebrae
Who is at risk of cervical spondylosis?
It is commonly thought that cervical spondylosis occurs in people aged 40 and above, with higher prevalence in older age. However, cervical spondylosis can affect people of all ages and genders, mostly due to lifestyle habits such as frequently looking down at mobile phones or sitting in front of a computer screen with poor posture for extended periods.
7 Symptoms of Cervical Spondylosis… You Should Know
- Stiff neck, difficulty turning left or right, as if something is holding it back
- Tightness and pain in the neck, reduced neck movement
- Radiating pain along the nerve path from the shoulder and upper back
- Radiating pain on the outer side of the elbow
- Radiating pain extending to the fingertips
- Numbness in the arms, legs, hands, and feet
- Weakness causing difficulty in movement
Easily Check Yourself for Risk of Cervical Spondylosis
Another simple screening method is to slowly bend your head down so your chin touches your chest, then look up at the ceiling. If you feel stiffness or difficulty moving your neck, you may have early symptoms of cervical spondylosis. However, if you experience radiating pain to other areas, see a doctor immediately for diagnosis and appropriate treatment before the condition worsens.
Treatment of Cervical Spondylosis
There are various treatments for cervical spondylosis, including medication to reduce muscle pain, physical therapy to relieve muscle tightness and spasms, and exercises to strengthen the muscles around the neck by stretching the neck, shoulders, and shoulder blades.
Currently, new treatment methods incorporate technology, such as using ultrasound devices to stimulate nerves and muscles with electrical currents or using high-frequency laser devices to stimulate muscles and joints for better function.
Surgical Treatment for Cervical Spondylosis
When a doctor diagnoses that surgery is necessary due to the severity of symptoms, there is no need to worry about life changes. Today, advanced technology allows for endoscopic surgery, which is safe and highly precise, causing minimal impact on surrounding organs. Post-surgery, there will only be a small wound, and recovery time is short, allowing patients to return to normal life quickly.
Although we cannot stop aging and bodily degeneration, we can slow down cervical spine degeneration by strengthening the muscles and ligaments around the neck and adjusting work and lifestyle habits appropriately.
