Treatment for Cervical spondylosis
Cervical spondylosis
Cervical spondylosis is a general term for age-related wear and tear affecting the spinal disks in your neck.Cervical spondylosis is a condition that causes deterioration of the vertebrae, discs, and ligaments in the neck or cervical spine.
Cervical spondylosis is very common and worsens with age. More than 85 percent of people older than age 60 are affected by cervical spondylosis.Most people experience no symptoms from these problems. When symptoms do occur, nonsurgical treatments often are effective.
Other names are arthritis of the neck, cervical osteoarthritis, or degenerative osteoarthritis.The cervical spine refers to the seven small vertebrae that form the neck. They start at the base of the skull.
In cervical spondylosis, the edges of the vertebrae often develop bone spurs called osteophytes. Over time, the discs get thinner, and their ability to absorb shock is lost, increasing the risk of symptoms.
Swollen neck joints, called facet joints, can press or pinch nearby nerve roots or the spinal cord itself, resulting in tingling or “pins and needles” in the extremities and sometimes even pain in the limbs.In some cases, there may be a loss of feeling and coordination. Some people may have difficulty walking.
CAUSES
As you age, the bones and cartilage that make up your backbone and neck gradually develop wear and tear. These changes can include:
- Dehydrated disks. Disks act like cushions between the vertebrae of your spine. By the age of 40, most people's spinal disks begin drying out and shrinking, which allows more bone-on-bone contact between the vertebrae.
- Herniated disks. Age also affects the exterior of your spinal disks. Cracks often appear, leading to bulging (herniated) disks — which sometimes can press on the spinal cord and nerve roots.
- Bone spurs. Disk degeneration often results in the spine producing extra amounts of bone in a misguided effort to strengthen the spine. These bone spurs can sometimes pinch the spinal cord and nerve roots.
- Stiff ligaments. Ligaments are cords of tissue that connect bone to bone. Spinal ligaments can stiffen with age, making your neck less flexible.
SYMPTOMS
- Neck stiffness and pain
- Headache that may originate in the neck
- Pain in the shoulder or arms
- Inability to fully turn the head or bend the neck, sometimes interfering with driving
- Grinding noise or sensation when the neck is turned
- Vertigo
- Headache
- Palpitation
- Nausea
- discomfort in your abdomen or GI system
- Tinnitus
- blurred vision
- memory problems (hypomnesia)
Symptoms of cervical spondylosis tend to improve with rest. Symptoms are most severe in the morning and again at the end of the day.
If cervical spondylosis results in pressure on the spinal cord (cervical stenosis), it can put pressure on the spinal cord, a condition called cervical myelopathy. Symptoms of cervical spondylosis with myelopathy include:
- Tingling, numbness, and/or weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet
- Lack of coordination and difficulty walking
- Abnormal reflexes
- Muscle spasms
- Loss of control over bladder and bowel (incontinence)
RISK FACTORS
Risk factors for cervical spondylosis include:
- Age. Cervical spondylosis is a normal part of aging.
- Occupation. Jobs that involve repetitive neck motions, awkward positioning or a lot of overhead work put extra stress on your neck.
- Neck injuries. Previous neck injuries appear to increase the risk of cervical spondylosis
- Genetic factors. Some individuals in certain families will experience more of these changes over time, while others will not.
- Smoking. Smoking has been linked to increased neck pain.
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COMPLICATIONS
If your spinal cord or nerve roots become severely compressed as a result of cervical spondylosis, the damage can be permanent.
DIAGNOSIS
Your healthcare provider will perform a physical exam to find the cause of your neck pain or other symptoms.
Your symptoms and their severity give clues to how much pressure your cervical spine might be under. During a physical exam, your healthcare provider may check your:
- Neck flexibility.
- Muscle strength and reflexes in your hands, arms or legs.
- Reflexes
- Gait (how you walk)
- Neck and shoulder, looking for trigger points (a small bump or knot in the muscle of your neck or shoulder that may be the source of your pain and tenderness).
They may order tests to learn more about what may be causing your symptoms. These tests may include the following:
- X-rays
- Computed tomography (CT) scans
- MRI
- Myelogram (type of CT scan) or electromyogram (nerve function test)
TREATMENT
Treatment for cervical spondylosis depends on the severity of your signs and symptoms. The goal of treatment is to relieve pain, help you maintain your usual activities as much as possible, and prevent permanent injury to the spinal cord and nerves.
- Medications - If over-the-counter pain relievers aren't enough, your doctor might prescribe:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Corticosteroids
- Muscle relaxants
- Anti-seizure medications.
- Antidepressants.
- Therapy - A physical therapist can teach you exercises to help stretch and strengthen the muscles in your neck and shoulders. Some people with cervical spondylosis benefit from the use of traction, which can help provide more space within the spine if nerve roots are being pinched.
- Surgery - If conservative treatment fails or if your neurological signs and symptoms — such as weakness in your arms or legs — worsen, you might need surgery to create more room for your spinal cord and nerve roots.
The surgery might involve: - Removing a herniated disk or bone spurs
- Removing part of a vertebra
- Fusing a segment of the neck using bone graft and hardware
- Lifestyle and home remedies - Mild cervical spondylosis might respond to:
- Regular exercise.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Heat or ice.
- Soft neck brace.
EFFECTIVENESS OF ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture is successful in reducing pain and increasing function of a patient with cervical spondylosis. These researches and studies aim to gauge the efficacy and safety of needling at sensitive acupoints in providing relief of cervical spondylosis and improve the cervical vertebral function and quality of life in patients with chronic neck pain.Acupuncture is widespread in the world. Conventional treatments and medicines are said to be wonderful and successful, but in many chronic conditions there happens to be a lack of success, and acupuncture may be the best remedy to cure them. Studies prove that acupuncture is more effective than most of the customary treatments for cervical spondylosis.Get the Best way to treat cervical spondylosis through acupuncture and get better.The application of acupuncture was successful in achieving the treatment aims of reducing pain, increasing movement and improving quality of sleep.
MECHANISM OF ACUPUNCTURE
The acupuncture points used were based on a combination of western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine principles.The local segmental points selected were GV14 with GB20 and GB21 bilaterally. These points were chosen due to their close proximity to the source of the pain. Distal extra-segmental points are reported to produce a more prolonged analgesic effect and so bilateral LI4 were selected.
Enhanced Mast cell degranulation around the needle site has been observed with local needling which was directly associated with acupuncture analgesia. Acupuncture stimulation of local segmental points also induces analgesia by blocking nociceptive impulses from C-fibres. Needle stimulation of A-delta fibres stimulates stalked cells within the dorsal horn, which inhibit substantia gelatinosa cells through the release of enkephalins. This inhibits the transmission of nociceptive information to the brain, via the spino-reticular tract, from wide dynamic range cells.Acupuncture points also activate supraspinal mechanisms such as descending inhibition, diffuse noxious inhibitory control (DNIC) and neurohormonal responses, which have a more prolonged effect. Supraspinal effects are better elicited with distal points due to greater representation within the sensory cortex. Serotonergic and noradrenergic descending pathways, activated from the nucleus raphe magnus and locus coeruleus respectively, inhibit transmission cells within the dorsal horn. DNIC attenuates existing pain in the presence of further noxious stimuli (e.g. needle) by inhibiting dorsal horn neurons though descending pathways from the medulla oblongata.
Although point distribution was based on western principles, TCM principles were used to help select specific points and locations. LI4 is the most important analgesic point relieving pain in all parts of the body and is also good for headaches. GB20 is very important in treating cervical spondylosis, headaches and dizziness. GB21 is a local point for neck pain and headaches but also corresponds with a common trigger point. GV14 is an important point for occipital headaches and cervical spondylosis.
BEST CURE FOR CERVICAL SPONDYLOSIS
Looking for the best relief for cervical spondylosis in Chennai, here’s why you should reach out to the expert Acupuncturist. A. Shaji Bharath from the best rated clinic Dr.Bharath’s Acu Heal. He is currently treating patients for a wide range of conditions. As a best acupuncture practitioner with 15 years of experience, and having worked with several orthopedician, neurologists and spine surgeon Acupuncturist. A. Shaji Bharath can create the treatment plan for the best cure for cervical spondylosis to manage the condition that's tailored to your needs, which can break a cycle of long-lasting numbness and pain in the neck. As the top acupuncture doctor in Chennai he has witnessed acupuncture doing wonders for people suffering from cervical spondylosis. The effectiveness rate increases several times just with one course of Acupuncture. So, take some time to find the right pain management and best remedy for acupuncture approach that suits you. Most of the people swear by acupuncture, citing it as a best cure and a ‘miracle’ to improving their quality of life. To contact the top acupuncture doctor in Chennai,
Dial: +91 9884746916 or Visit: drbharathsacuheal.com for more details.
BEST ACUPUNCTURE DOCTOR NEAR ME
To choose the Best doctor for Acupuncture, it's important that the Acupuncturist should have a decade of experience and treated at least 1000 to 2000 patients.
You can also search for the Best Acupuncture Doctor near me or ask your primary care physician to refer an experienced Acupuncturist nearby. Once you find the Best Acupuncture Doctor in Chennai, you may go through their google reviews first and then fix an appointment with the doctor only when you are satisfied with the reviews.
The Best Acupuncture Doctor should address your concerns and help you feel more comfortable before your first session. Acupuncture usually takes numerous sessions or several weeks to get a complete cure in any ailment but within 3 or 4 sessions the patients will experience positive differences.
BEST ACUPUNCTURE CLINIC NEAR ME
There are numerous clinics popping up and it is sometimes skeptical to choose the best or even the safe one. To address such concerns, you can look into the following points to choose the best acupuncture clinic for treating cervical spondylosis. Acupuncture is also offered in hospital pain clinics and by healthcare organizations but it is ideal to visit the best Acupuncture Clinic. If you are not sure, it would be a good idea to contact your local doctor to see if they would be prepared to refer to the best rated acupuncture clinics.Acupuncture is offered in top rated acupuncture clinics near me because conventional treatment has failed or produces unacceptable side effects. Most of the best acupuncture clinics will spell out very clearly what type of acupuncture they practice and how professional they are - at present anyone can set themselves up as an acupuncturist but reputable practitioners will belong to an organization. So while you are filtering the best clinics for acupuncture that treats cervical spondylosis, you can look out for these factors.Treatment without surgery for cervical spondylosis is possible through Acupuncture and it gives the best result.
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THE BOTTOM LINE
Cervical spondylosis is the most common spine dysfunction in elderly people.Patients experiencing axial neck pain without neurologic symptoms will typically have a resolution of symptoms within days to weeks, without any intervention. If symptoms persist, Dial: +91 9884746916 or Visit: drbharathsacuheal.com to get the best acupuncture treatment for cervical spondylosis.
Scientific References:
- .He, D., Veiersted, K.B., Hstmark,A.T. & Medb, J.I. (2004) Effect of acupuncture treatment on chronic neck and shoulder pain in sedentary female workers: a 6-month and 3-year follow-up study.Pain, 109, pp. 299-307.
- Hecker,H.-U., Steveling, A., Peuker, E., Kastner, J. & Liebchen, K. (2001) Color Atlas of Acupuncture – Body Points, Ear Points, Trigger Points.Stuttgart: Thieme.
- Irnich, B., Behrens, N., Gleditsch, J.M., Stor, W., et al (2002). Immediate effects of dry needling and acupuncture at distal points in chronic neck pain: results of a randomised, double-blinded, Sham-controlled crossover trial. Pain. 99: 83-89.
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FAQ:
What are the services provided for Cervical Spondylitis by Dr. Bharath’s Acu Heal?
At Bharath's Acu Heal, Cervical Spondylitis is treated with Acupuncture. Some people may get Cervical Spondylitis due to gastritis or GERD. While treating for Cervical Spondylitis, the Acupuncturist will treat the intestine to bring down the GERD, calm the stomach and then eradicate the acidity. In the first few sessions, there will be a positive change in the symptoms and after several sessions, there will be a 90% to 100% chance that the patient will get cured of Cervical Spondylitis. Simultaneously the patient will be advised on a diet with food restrictions and exercise regime which includes an induced sound sleep that plays a vital role in reversing the disease.
What are the benefits of acupuncture for Cervical Spondylitis?
This is a drugless therapy and there are no side effects. After completing the course of treatment any form of medication can be stopped.
How many sessions do you need for Cervical Spondylitis?
It takes around 30 to 40 sessions in a period of 4 to 5 months.