Cervical spondylosis is the most common cause of the pain in cervical spine. It is due to osteoarthritis of the cervical vertebrae.
The maximum site of affection is at Cervical vertebrae 5 and 6 (C5-C6) and at Cervical vertebrae 6 and 7(C6-C7).
Earlier, it considered as the disease of the old people, but nowadays it is one of the occupational disease and affects the youngsters.
Causes of cervical spondylosis
X Disc bulging-due to injury the intervertebral disc bulges out and pinches the nerve root.
X Old age- after the age of 40, the disc becomes dry out then it shrinks. This causes the direct contact of vertebral surfaces.
X New bone formation-due to degeneration of the vertebrae new bones are formed. It is known as spurs or osteophytes. And this spurs also cause pressure on spinal cord.
X Stiff ligaments-due to ageing the ligaments that connect the adjacent vertebrae become stiff and that limit the movement of the neck.
Risk factors
X Age
X Injury to spine-
X Direct injury or over strain to the neck as in gymnastics and weightlifters.
X Incorrect posture-
X Keeping the neck in an awkward position for a long time.
Symptoms
X Pain and tenderness of the neck
X Painful restriction of neck movements
X Palpable or audible crepitations
X Cervical myelopathy- if the herniated disc or spurs put pressure on spinal cord, then it is called as myelopathy. It will results in the following symptoms.
a-Tingling and numbness of arms, hands, legs and feet
b-Loss of control on bladder and bowel-it results in involuntary urination or defecation.
X If the osteophytes or spurs presses on the spinal nerve roots, it results in pain in both arms and front and back of chest. It is called as radiculopathy.
Investigation
X ray cervical spine
CT
MRI
Treatment
Proper rest and physiotherapy
If the pain is severe immobilization of the neck muscles by using the cervical collar is advised.
Homeopathic treatment
In youngsters and adult homeopathy works wonders in managing the pain and also curing the cervical spondylosis. However, in old people and chronic cases only pain management is possible. Physiotherapy can be advised along with homeopathic medicines. But it should be under the supervision of a well experienced doctor.
Medicines-Acid phos, Lachnanthus, Rhs tox , Hypericum, Nux vom etc.;
