Treating Cervical Spondylosis (Osteoarthritis) Through Physiotherapy!

Treating Cervical Spondylosis (Osteoarthritis):

Cervical osteoarthritis is also known as cervical spondylosis. It is a medical condition which involves changes in the joints, bones and discs of neck area. This is generally caused due to the degenerative changes in the bones and muscles owing to old age. With age, the discs present between the vertebrae tend to breaks down and loses all its fluids. This leads to stiffness in the spine. It occurs usually in middle-aged and old aged people. It may sometime also be caused due to abnormal loading or wrong postures of the spine. This causes stiffness and severe neck pain. Physiotherapy is the safest way of reducing pain and stiffness associated with cervical osteoarthritis.

Symptoms of Cervical Osteoarthritis:

1. Pain and stiffness in the neck.

2. Headache which usually emerges from the neck.

3. Severe pain in the arms and shoulder.

4. Not being able to turn the head or neck fully while driving.

5. Muscle spasm.

6. Grinding sensation or noise caused while bending the neck.

Cervical Osteoarthritis can be cured in the following ways:

1. Heat modalities - In this method, the pain and stiffness are reduced by putting heat on the affected area. This type of therapy is called heat therapy.

2. Electro modalities like IFT, TENS can also help in pain reduction and muscle relaxation.

3. Neck exercise - Regular stretching and strengthening exercises for the neck can reduce pain and stiffness.

4. Manipulating therapy - A physiotherapist may identify and manipulate the joints so that the muscles can function smoothly.

5. Hydrotherapy - This therapy involves exercising in a pool. Hydrotherapy is extremely beneficial for people having severe joint pain and stiffness.

6. Cervical traction - This is a common non-surgical treatment which cures pain in the neck by opening the cervical foramen (hole or passage).

Physiotherapy is the most natural and safe way of treating cervical osteoarthritis. If you are diagnosed with cervical spondylosis, you should start physiotherapy as soon as possible.