What is Cervical Spondylosis?
Cervical Spondylosis or Cervical Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disorder of the cervical spine. It often seems in the middle and older ages due to the age related changes in the interverbral discs in the cervical region.
Owing to the degeneration of cervical region osteophytes are formed on the vertebrae. As a result of the narrowing of the spinal canal, gradually the spinal stenosis may develops.The main symptoms of the cervical spondylosis are neck pain and stiffness.In some cases pain radiates from the neck to the arms with a widespread called as cervical rhizopathy or cervical brachialgia. Some times this compression may lead to the muscle weakness, sensory disturbance and in the progressive stage there may be interference with the blood supply to the spinal cord.There are some risk factors for the sponsylosis like, extra strain on the neck, and positioning the neck in uncomfortable position for long time.An X-ray is the simplest form to diagnosis the spondylosis and the M.R.I shows the effects on soft tissues.
Physiotherapy Management for Cervical Spondylosis.
In the severe cases soft collar is recommend to cease the condition to getting worse. This immobilization helps to reduce the nerve irritation and reduce symptoms.
Cervical Traction:
Cervical traction helps to increase the space between the joints and relieve the pressure on the disc and nerve roots. Traction can be done either continuously or intermittently, alternating between shorts periods of pulling and time.
In this traction pull is determined by patient comfort and the 10% of the body weight is the ideal weight for the traction to start, it is important that the traction weight don't exceeds more than 20kgs. This is also contraindicated in some cases like the patients having T.M.J problems, claustrophobia,spinal infections,tumors,arthritis, osteoporosis, and hyper mobility cases also.
Trans cutaneous Electric nerve Stimulation (T.E.N.S)
T.E.N.S is using to alleviate the pain in the case of spondylosis. It is a noninvasive way to block the signals from the nerve to spinal cord and brain.
HVLA thrust manipulation to the cervical or thoraxic segments
Moreover this, it improves the blood circulation and reduce the spasm and edema.In this treatment the electrodes are placed on the pain area or the nerve area by the physiotherapist and the intensity will slowly increase to the limit that you can override the pain signals.The tens is contraindicated in cases of dementia, pacemakers, other cognitive cases.
Soft Tissue Mobilization:
In this type of mobilization patient is in sitting position and it consist of upper thoraxic and cervical spine areas.
Manual pressure and traction for the upper cervical areas
Deep pressure to the motor point of the upper trapezius musculature
HVLA thrust manipulation to the cervical or thoraxic segments
In this patient clasped his opposite shoulder with both hands and the therapist do it very carefully.
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