Cervical Spondylosis
Cervical spondylosis may be defined as a disorder in which there is abnormal wear and tear on the cartilage and bones of the neck, (cervical vertebrae). It is a condition which, if caught early, may definitely be helped by an Osteopath. Cervical spondylosis is caused by chronic degeneration of the cervical spine, including the cervical discs and the joints between the bones of the cervical spine. There may be abnormal growths or “spurs” on the bones of the vertebrae. These changes can endure compression of one or more of the nerve roots. In advanced cases the spinal cord becomes involved which then involves shooting pain down the arms and legs, as well as bowels/bladder dysfunction.
Risk factors:
Age,
Trauma,
Severe arthritis elsewhere,
Poor posture,
Previous spinal surgery.
By the age of 40, 25% of people have this condition. At 50 (50%) and 60 (85%), the likelihood increases. An interesting fact is that some people are asymptomatic, i.e. they have cervical spondylosis but do not have any painful or neurological symptoms.
Common symptoms:
Neck pain which may radiate to the shoulder, arm or hand,
Neck stiffness that gets worse over time,
Loss of sensation or abnormal sensation in the shoulder, arm, hand, e.g. Pins and needles or numbness in the fingers,
Weakness of the arms,
Headaches,
Loss of balance,
Loss of control over the bladder or bowels, (if the spinal cord is compressed).
Examination and Tests:
Examination by the Sports Injuries Specialist – Registered Osteopath will often show a reduction of movement in the neck, with traction providing relief. Absent reflexes may show nerve root/spinal cord compression.
The following tests may be carried out via recommendation by the Sports Injuries Specialist – Registered Osteopath:
CT scan,
MRI scan,
X-ray,
EMG,
X-ray or CT scan after dye is injected into the spinal column, (myelogram).
Outlook (Prognosis):
Most patient’s with cervical spondylosis will have some long-term symptoms. However, they often respond well to non-surgical treatments and do not need surgery.
Possible Complications include:
Chronic neck pain,
Faecal/Urinary incontinence,
Progressive loss of muscle function or feeling,
Permanent disability, (occasional).
Prevention:
Many cases are not preventable. Preventing neck injury, (for example, by using proper equipment and techniques when playing sports) and adopting good spinal posture may reduce the risk of cervical spondylosis.
Treatment:
Osteopath in Harrow_Osteopath in Wembley, Osteopath in Chelsea. Cervical Spondylosis, Neck Pain and Stiffness, Neck Strain – The Sports Injuries Specialist – Registered Osteopath. Regulated: Harrow Osteopathic Clinic, Wembley Osteopaths, Chelsea Osteopaths – The Sports Injuries Specialist – Registered Osteopath. How Cervical Spondylosis_Neck Pain is treated at Harrow Osteopathic Clinic, Wembley Osteopaths, Chelsea Osteopaths by The Sports Injuries Specialist – Registered Osteopath.
Even if a patient’s neck pain does not go away completely, learning to manage the pain at home and prevent re-current episodes can help avoid surgery. Symptoms from cervical spondylosis usually stabilize or get better with simple, conservative therapy from the Sports Injuries Specialist – Registered Osteopath. Indeed, acupuncture, deep tissue work, gentle joint mobilisation/oscillation and orthotics may all help alleviate pain.
It is often a myth that an Osteopath manipulates bone wherever possible. In this case manipulation of the neck is strictly prohibited and deemed unnecessary by the Sports Injuries Specialist – Registered Osteopath due to the fact that it may incur tearing of the spinal disc, as a result of lack of fluid in the spinal disc. If the pain does not respond to these measures, or there is a loss of movement or feeling, surgery is then considered. Surgery is done to relieve the pressure on the nerves or the spinal cord and should only be considered as a last resort.
Alternative Names:
Cervical Osteoarthritis; Neck Arthritis; Degenerative Disc Disease
If you are in Extreme Pain or are suffering, then call the Sports Injuries Specialist – Registered Osteopath for proven results immediately. The Sports Injuries Specialist – Registered Osteopath is experienced and able to help you deal with this condition.
ZAHIR CHAUDHARY, BA (Hons), BSc (Hons), ND, M Ost.Med
EMAIL: emergencyosteopath@gmail.com
CONTACT: 0208 423 6209; 079 2100 4705
WEB: https://www.sportsinjuriesspecialist.co.uk
CHELSEA OSTEOPATHS, 208 FULHAM ROAD, CHELSEA, LONDON. SW10 9PJ.
HARROW OSTEOPATHIC CLINIC, 9 LITTLETON ROAD, HARROW, MIDDLESEX. HA1 3SY.
WEMBLEY OSTEOPATHS, 31 NORVAL ROAD, NORTH WEMBLEY, MIDDLESEX. HA0 3TD.
FITNESS FIRST ALPERTON, 197 EALING ROAD, WEMBLEY. HA0 4LW.
DAVID LLOYD SUDBURY HILL OSTEOPATHS, GREENFORD RD, EALING. UB6 0HX.
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