Cervical spondylosis refers to a type of disease caused by damage or degeneration of the cervical spine. Common symptoms include neck pain, shoulder and back pain, arm numbness, finger weakness, etc., which seriously affect the quality of life. According to statistical data, 90% of cervical spondylosis patients can achieve effective relief through conservative treatment methods without the need for surgical intervention. The following are the methods and precautions for conservative treatment.
1. Traction therapy
We can also imagine that our cervical vertebrae are not particularly thick, like building blocks made up of seven vertebrae stacked together, with soft tissue connecting them in the middle. Such a cervical vertebrae not only support our heavy head every day, but also bear various head movements. Can this not be tiring! So the purpose and function of traction therapy is to restrict cervical movement and reduce the weight on the cervical spine, which can reduce congestion and edema in the affected area, relax the muscles of the neck and shoulders, reduce the pressure on the intervertebral disc, further restore the function of small joints between each joint, and help maintain the normal curvature of the cervical spine.
Traction method: We can take a sitting position and use the jaw pillow belt reasonably for traction. The traction weight must reach 3 to 5kg, and the duration is 20-30 minutes per day, twice a day, for 2 weeks.
2. Cervical immobilization method
Cervical immobilization method mainly refers to the use of cervical braces or other supports to fix the cervical spine, thereby achieving effective treatment. Similar to traction methods, it not only restricts cervical movement and reduces cervical load, but also reduces congestion and edema in the affected area and effectively relaxes the muscles of the neck and shoulders, thereby reducing intervertebral disc pressure. In addition, restoring the function of the small joints between each joint and helping to maintain the normal curvature of the cervical spine can avoid further damage, and assisting postoperative treatment is beneficial for their speedy recovery.
3. Physical therapy
Physical therapy mainly refers to the application of various natural and artificial physical factors, such as sound, light, electricity, heat, electromagnetism, and machinery, to directly act on the human body and achieve symptom relief. The physical therapy of cervical spondylosis can effectively relieve neck muscle spasms, improve local blood circulation, completely eliminate local nerve roots and soft tissue edema and congestion, or effectively improve small joint function, thereby delaying the progression of the disease. The usual anti-inflammatory and analgesic therapies include: ultra short wave therapy, short wave therapy, electric current therapy, paraffin wax therapy, and hydrotherapy.
4. Massage, massage, acupuncture and moxibustion and other Chinese medicine manipulations
The protrusion of cervical intervertebral disc and hyperosteogeny will not disappear completely through manual treatment, but the traditional Chinese medicine manipulations in the past can timely and effectively relax the neck muscles, relieve local edema and congestion, and alleviate pain, while also regulating local nerve function, which is a good way to effectively alleviate the discomfort caused by cervical spondylosis.
5. Medication treatment
Common medication treatments include relieving menstrual pain, anti-inflammatory, vitamin B complex, and so on. While treating cervical spondylosis, attention should also be paid to controlling the development and deterioration of the condition, and avoiding adjusting antiviral and antispasmodic drugs. In addition to the above factors, conservative treatment also includes actively controlling the posture of the neck, whether there is restlessness, applying olive oil to the neck and gently massaging, paying attention to the protection of the cervical spine in daily life, and avoiding prolonged use of mobile phones or computers while looking down.
6. Rest
Rest is one of the important measures for treating cervical spondylosis. Patients should reduce neck movement, try to keep the neck in a normal position, and allow the head to move freely.
7. Hot compress and cold compress
During pain, you can use hot compress or cold compress to relieve neck pain and muscle tension. Normally, cold compress can relieve muscle spasms, while hot compress can alleviate inflammation and pain.
In summary, most non-surgical treatment options can effectively alleviate the symptoms of cervical spondylosis. If the patient's symptoms are severe, causing weakness in the arms and fingers and requiring surgical treatment, it is necessary to consult a doctor in a timely manner and seek professional methods to save the condition of the cervical intervertebral disc.