Cervical spondylosis exercises

Cervical spondylosis exercises. Cervical spondylosis, also known as cervical osteoarthritis or neck arthritis, refers to the age-related wear and tear affecting the spinal discs on neck. It involves the degeneration of the intervertebral discs and vertebrae, leading to changes such as disc dehydration, loss of disc height, and the formation of bone spurs (osteophytes). These degenerative changes can cause narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis) and the foramina (foraminal stenosis), potentially compressing the spinal cord and nerve roots. Cervical spondylosis is a common condition, particularly among older adults, and can lead to significant neck pain and disability if not managed properly.

Table of Contents hide
1 cervical spondylosis exercises video
2 Cervical Spondylosis C5 C6 Treatment
2.1 Non-Surgical Treatments
2.2 weight lifting exercises cervical spondylosis
3 cervical spondylosis therapy exercises
4 Physical Therapy for Cervical Spondylosis
5 References

cervical spondylosis exercises video

Prevalence and Demographic Considerations: Cervical spondylosis is highly prevalent, especially in individuals over the age of 50. Studies suggest that almost 85% of people over the age of 60 exhibit some degree of cervical spondylosis on imaging tests, although not all of them experience symptoms. The condition affects both men and women, with a slightly higher prevalence in men. Risk factors include a family history of neck pain or spondylosis, occupations involving repetitive neck movements or heavy lifting, and lifestyle factors such as smoking and physical inactivity.

Cervical Spondylosis C5 C6 Treatment

Treatment for cervical spondylosis affecting the C5-C6 vertebrae can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the specific symptoms experienced by the patient. Here are some common treatment options:

Non-Surgical Treatments

NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs): Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used to manage pain and inflammation associated with cervical spondylosis. The effectiveness of NSAIDs in managing mild to moderate cervical spondylosis symptoms is well-documented in clinical studies such as:

  • Ibuprofen
  • Naproxen
  • Meloxicam
  • Diclofenac
  • Celecoxib

Muscle Relaxants: Muscle relaxants can help alleviate muscle spasms and improve mobility. The use of muscle relaxants is supported by studies showing their short-term efficacy in relieving symptoms. As for example:

  • Cyclobenzaprine
  • Baclofen
  • Dantrolene
  • Tizanidine
  • Diazepam
  • Methocarbamol
  • Carisoprodol
  • Chlorzoxazone
  • Cyclobenzaprine
  • Orphenadrine
  • Metaxalone

Corticosteroid Injections: In cases of severe pain, corticosteroids may be administered orally or through epidural injections to provide significant anti-inflammatory effects. Like as:

  • Cortisol
  • Aldosterone
  • Prednisolone
  • Fludrocortisone
  • Dexamethasone
  • Budesonide

weight lifting exercises cervical spondylosis

Surgery is typically considered when non-surgical treatments fail to provide relief, and there is significant nerve compression, spinal instability, or severe pain impacting the patient’s quality of life. Indications for surgery include persistent radiculopathy or myelopathy, progressive neurological deficits, and unmanageable pain.

Types of Procedures (Discectomy, Laminectomy, Fusion):

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF): ACDF is a common surgical procedure for cervical spondylosis, particularly at the C5-C6 level. Hilibrand et al. (1999) demonstrated that ACDF effectively relieves nerve compression and improves neurological outcomes (1).

This involves joining two or more vertebrae together to stabilize the spine. It is often performed after discectomy or laminectomy to provide stability. Fusion can be done using bone grafts and metal hardware. Fountas et al. (2007) discuss the outcomes and efficacy of these surgical procedures, indicating their success in appropriately selected patients. (2)

Cervical Disc Replacement: In cases where preserving motion is desirable, cervical disc replacement is an alternative to fusion. Boden et al. (1990) found that cervical disc replacement provides comparable symptom relief to ACDF while maintaining more natural neck movement.

Laminectomy and Laminoplasty: These procedures are used to decompress the spinal cord, especially in patients with cervical myelopathy. Matsumoto et al. (2000) highlighted the effectiveness of laminectomy in relieving symptoms and preventing disease progression (3).

Post-Surgical Rehabilitation and Outcomes: Rehabilitation following neck surgery is crucial for recovery. It includes physical therapy, pain management, and gradual return to normal activities. The goal is to restore neck strength, flexibility, and function while minimizing pain.

cervical spondylosis therapy exercises

Cervical spondylosis, a degenerative condition affecting the cervical spine, can be managed through various non-pharmacological and non-surgical therapies. These therapies aim to alleviate symptoms, improve functionality, and prevent further degeneration. Below is a detailed exploration of these therapies, supported by authentic references.

Chiropractic Adjustments: These are designed to restore normal motion to the spinal joints. Adjustments can help realign the vertebrae, reduce nerve compression, and improve overall neck function. Chiropractic care involves spinal manipulation and mobilization techniques to improve joint function and reduce pain. While some studies, such as Hurwitz et al. (2008), show that chiropractic care can be beneficial for certain patients with neck pain, it is important to ensure that these treatments are performed by qualified professionals to avoid potential complications. (4)

Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy (OMT): OMT includes various techniques like soft tissue massage, myofascial release, and muscle energy techniques. These methods aim to relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and enhance lymphatic drainage, contributing to pain relief and functional improvement.

Acupuncture and Other Complementary Therapies: Acupuncture, an ancient practice in Chinese medicine, entails inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to relieve pain and promote healing. Other complementary therapies, such as yoga, Pilates, and herbal remedies, may also be beneficial for some patients. According to a Cochrane review by Trinh et al. (2016), acupuncture can provide short-term relief for chronic neck pain, especially when combined with conventional treatments. (5)

Ergonomic Modifications: Adopting ergonomic practices can significantly reduce the strain on the cervical spine, especially for individuals with desk jobs or those who use computers frequently.

  • Workstation Ergonomics: Adjusting the height of the chair, monitor, and keyboard to ensure that the neck remains in a neutral position can prevent further strain. Using a headset for phone calls and taking regular breaks to move and stretch can also be beneficial.
  • Posture Training: Educating patients on maintaining proper posture during daily activities is crucial. This includes keeping the head aligned with the spine and avoiding prolonged periods of looking down or slouching.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is used to address the psychological aspects of chronic pain, which often accompanies conditions like cervical spondylosis.

  • Pain Management Techniques: CBT helps patients develop coping strategies, manage stress, and reduce the emotional impact of chronic pain. Techniques include relaxation training, cognitive restructuring, and biofeedback.
  • A study by Turner et al. (2006) demonstrated the effectiveness of CBT in managing chronic pain conditions, including cervical spondylosis, by improving patients’ coping mechanisms and reducing pain-related distress. (6)

Physical Therapy for Cervical Spondylosis

Physical therapy is a cornerstone in the management of cervical spondylosis, focusing on improving neck mobility, strength, and overall function while reducing pain and discomfort. The approach typically involves a combination of exercises, manual therapy, education on posture and ergonomics, and sometimes modalities like heat, cold, or electrical stimulation. Below is an elaboration on how physical therapy is employed in the treatment of cervical spondylosis, supported by authentic references. Best Cervical Spondylosis Treatment

A study by Gross et al. (2015) found that physical therapy interventions, particularly exercise therapy, are effective in reducing pain and improving neck function in patients with cervical spondylosis. (7)

Exercise Therapy: Exercise therapy is the primary component of physical therapy for cervical spondylosis. It aims to:

  • Improve Flexibility: Stretching exercises are designed to maintain or improve the flexibility of the cervical spine and surrounding muscles. Regular stretching can help reduce stiffness and maintain a better range of motion.
  • Strengthen Muscles: Strengthening exercises, particularly for the neck and upper back muscles, help to stabilize the cervical spine, reducing the strain on the vertebrae and discs.
  • Enhance Posture: Exercises that focus on correcting posture are crucial, as poor posture can exacerbate cervical spondylosis symptoms. This includes exercises that strengthen the postural muscles, such as the deep neck flexors.
  • Reduce Pain: By improving the strength and flexibility of the muscles supporting the cervical spine, physical therapy exercises can help reduce pain.

Manual Therapy: Manual therapy techniques used in physical therapy for cervical spondylosis include:

  • Mobilization: Gentle joint mobilization techniques are used to improve the movement of the cervical spine and relieve stiffness.
  • Massage Therapy: Soft tissue massage helps to relax tight muscles, improve circulation, and reduce muscle spasms.
  • Myofascial Release: This technique involves applying gentle pressure to the connective tissues surrounding muscles, which can help alleviate pain and restore motion.

A study by Bronfort et al. (2001) demonstrated that manual therapy, including cervical spine mobilization and manipulation, is effective in reducing neck pain and improving function in patients with cervical spondylosis. (8)

Postural Education and Ergonomic Advice: Educating patients on proper posture and ergonomics is vital in preventing the worsening of symptoms. Physical therapists provide advice on:

  • Correct Sitting Posture: Proper alignment of the spine during sitting, especially for those with desk jobs, helps reduce cervical spine stress.
  • Workplace Ergonomics: Adjustments to the workplace, such as monitor height and chair support, are recommended to maintain spinal alignment and reduce strain.
  • Daily Activity Modifications: Patients are taught how to perform daily activities in a way that minimizes stress on the cervical spine.

Modalities: Various modalities may be used alongside exercises and manual therapy, including:

  • Heat and Cold Therapy: Thermal therapy can facilitate muscle relaxation and enhance blood flow, whilst cryotherapy can diminish inflammation and desensitize painful regions.
  • Electrical Stimulation: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is a method of pain management that involves the application of gentle electrical pulses to the nerves through the skin.
  • Ultrasound Therapy: This technique utilizes sound waves to produce thermal energy in the underlying tissues, thereby aiding in the alleviation of pain and muscular spasms.

Evidence supports the use of these modalities in conjunction with other physical therapy techniques to enhance overall outcomes in cervical spondylosis treatment. For example, a review by Guzman et al. (2008) confirmed the role of physical therapy modalities in managing neck pain, including cervical spondylosis. (9)

Home Exercise Programs: Patients are often provided with a home exercise program to continue their therapy independently. This ensures that the benefits of in-clinic physical therapy are maintained and that patients continue to improve their neck strength and flexibility. A study by Ylinen et al. (2003) found that home-based exercise programs are effective in reducing pain and improving the functional ability of patients with chronic neck pain, including those with cervical spondylosis. (10)

Among the popular manual therapy techniques SDM (Structural Diagnosis & Management) is more scientific. Our goal is to diagnose the patient by proper assessment treat the patient according to their root cause. The patient recovery rate is much more than other manual therapy techniques. The disease recurrent rate is also very minimal.

References

  1. Hilibrand, A.S., Carlson, G.D., Palumbo, M.A., Jones, P.K. and Bohlman, H.H., 1999. Radiculopathy and myelopathy at segments adjacent to the site of a previous anterior cervical arthrodesis. JBJS, 81(4), pp.519-28. https://journals.lww.com/jbjsjournal/fulltext/1999/04000/Radiculopathy_and_Myelopathy_at_Segments_Adjacent.9.aspx
  2. Fountas, K.N., Kapsalaki, E.Z., Nikolakakos, L.G., Smisson, H.F., Johnston, K.W., Grigorian, A.A., Lee, G.P. and Robinson Jr, J.S., 2007. Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion associated complications. Spine,32(21),pp.2310-2317. https://journals.lww.com/spinejournal/fulltext/2007/10010/anterior_cervical_discectomy_and_fusion_associated.6.aspx
  3. Matsumoto, M., Toyama, Y., Ishikawa, M., Chiba, K., Suzuki, N. and Fujimura, Y., 2000. Increased signal intensity of the spinal cord on magnetic resonance images in cervical compressive myelopathy: does it predict the outcome of conservative treatment?. Spine, 25(6), pp.677-682. https://journals.lww.com/spinejournal/fulltext/2000/03150/The_Pathomorphologic_Changes_That_Accompany_the.00005.aspx
  4. Hurwitz, E.L., Carragee, E.J., van der Velde, G., Carroll, L.J., Nordin, M., Guzman, J., Peloso, P.M., Holm, L.W., Côté, P., Hogg-Johnson, S. and Cassidy, J.D., 2009. Treatment of neck pain: noninvasive interventions: results of the Bone and Joint Decade 2000–2010 Task Force on Neck Pain and Its Associated Disorders. Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics, 32(2), pp.S141-S175. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0161475408003448
  5. Trinh, K., Graham, N., Gross, A., Goldsmith, C., Wang, E., Cameron, I. and Kay, T., 2007. Acupuncture for neck disorders. Spine, 32(2), pp.236-243. https://journals.lww.com/spinejournal/FullText/2007/01150/Acupuncture_for_Neck_Disorders.15.aspx
  6. Turner, J.A., Holtzman, S. and Mancl, L., 2007. Mediators, moderators, and predictors of therapeutic change in cognitive–behavioral therapy for chronic pain. Pain, 127(3), pp.276-286. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0304395906004623
  7. Gross, A., Langevin, P., Burnie, S.J., Bédard‐Brochu, M.S., Empey, B., Dugas, E., Faber‐Dobrescu, M., Andres, C., Graham, N., Goldsmith, C.H. and Brønfort, G., 2015. Manipulation and mobilisation for neck pain contrasted against an inactive control or another active treatment. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (9). https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD004249.pub4/abstract
  8. Bronfort, G., Evans, R., Anderson, A.V., Svendsen, K.H., Bracha, Y. and Grimm, R.H., 2012. Spinal manipulation, medication, or home exercise with advice for acute and subacute neck pain: a randomized trial. Annals of internal medicine, 156(1_Part_1), pp.1-10. https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/abs/10.7326/0003-4819-156-1-201201030-00002
  9. Guzman, J., Haldeman, S., Carroll, L.J., Carragee, E.J., Hurwitz, E.L., Peloso, P., Nordin, M., Cassidy, J.D., Holm, L.W., Côté, P. and van der Velde, G., 2008. Clinical practice implications of the Bone and Joint Decade 2000–2010 Task Force on Neck Pain and Its Associated Disorders: from concepts and findings to recommendations. European Spine Journal, 17, pp.199-213. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00586-008-0637-6
  10. Ylinen J, Kautiainen H, Wirén K, Häkkinen A. Stretching exercises vs manual therapy in treatment of chronic neck pain: a randomized, controlled cross-over trial. J Rehabil Med. 2007 Mar;39(2):126-32. doi: 10.2340/16501977-0015. PMID: 17351694. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17351694/
Dr. M Shahadat Hossain
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