Cervical Spondylosis

Cervical Spondylosis is a common degenerative condition of the cervical spine which is age related changes in the intervertebral disks .
The most common affected area is the most curved and the most mobile part of the cervical spine. With age disks begin to dry out and weaken. This problem causes settling, or collapse, of the disk spaces and loss of disk space height.

aging
Body type

Genetic factors

Causes
Life style Incorrect posture

Injury

Symptoms:
1)pain
in the neck and shoulder regions followed by stiffening , and the pain may gradually downwards to the arm and swelling ,in some cases.

2)pain in Sub-occipital region(in the lower area of the back of the

head), this pain can move downwards to the base of the neck ,as well as the top of the head.

3)weakening of the muscles in the upper arms, slowly progressing

to the lower regions of the arms

4)Grinding and popping sound 5)pain and numbness usually in the shoulders and arms.
6)Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy (CSM). Patients with CSM may experience difficulty in writing, unusual sensations, as well as weakness cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM).

Diagnosis:
Flexibility Test: Examination often shows limited ability to bend the head toward the shoulder and extend the head.
Weakness or loss of sensation can be signs of damage to specific nerve roots or to the spinal cord. Reflexes are often reduced.

 Imaging diagnostics of the neck:

generally, these diagnostic methods show anatomical changes of the neck structures with bone spurs.

X-Ray: X-rays will show aging changes, like loss of disk height or bone spurs.

Diagnosis of Cervical Spondylosis by X-Ray

 Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

This study can create better images of soft tissues, such as muscles, disks, nerves, and the spinal cord.

Computed tomography (CT) scans

This specialized x-ray study allows careful evaluation of the bone and spinal canal.

Myelography:
This specific x-ray study involves injecting dye or contrast material into the spinal canal. It allows for careful evaluation of the spinal canal and nerve roots.

Prevention:
these are some suggestions that may help to reduce the rick of Cervical spondylosis 1-Exercises.. strength exercises , flexibility and range of motion (ROM) exercises for the neck - General Regular exercises ,but Skip highimpact activities, such as running, if you have any neck pain

 2-Dont maintain the position of the neck for long periods so Take breaks when driving, watching TV or working on a computer
3-avoid waching TV from one side.

 Protect your neck from injury by using a seat belt when in a car avoid air draft or sleeping in cold weather

Treatment

Surgical

Non Surgical

Physical Therapy

Medications.

Medications
Several medications may be used together during the first phase of treatment to address both pain and inflammation. Acetaminophen. Mild pain is often relieved with
acetaminophen.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Muscle relaxants. Medications such as

cyclobenzaprine or carisoprodol can also be used in the case of painful muscle spasms

Physical Therapy
Heat:

to increased blood flow brings more oxygen and nutrients to that area , remove waste products created by muscle spasms, and it als helps healing

Superficial heat modalities: 1)Infra red: The patient should be positioned 20 inches from the source. Treatment time should be 15-20 minutes. 2)Hot packs: Treatment time should be 20-30 minutes.

Deep heat modalities: -1Short wave: Treatment time should be 15 minutes. -2Ultra-sound: It has been suggested using pulsed ultrasound at 0.5 W/cm2 with a duty cycle of 20 percent for5minutes or continuous ultrasound at 0.1 W/cm. 2

Upper back stretching exercises.

 Acupuncture.

Relaxation:
Relaxation is essential part of treatment. Tension in neck and shoulder muscle, pain, anxiety are all relieved by relaxation . Relaxation can be done in two ways : Physical Relaxation . Mental Relaxation .

Therapeutic Massage:
Therapeutic massage has reflex effect, it cease sedation, relieves tension, increases blood flow.

 Cervical traction: cervical traction can be applied from supine lying position or sitting position ,for3-10 minutes. the weight should not exceed 7-%20 %of total body weight. It cause enlargement of the intervertebral spaces and foramina, mobilization of vertebral joints and increase and changes in joint

 collar:
Two types of collars can be prescribed:

Soft Collars

Firm Collar

Thank You

Prepared by:

Maram Ali
3rd year Physical Therapy 2011