Cervical Spondylosis Treatment
When possible, conservative treatment of symptoms is preferred. Conservative treatment
begins with rest--either restricting normal activities to a less strenuous level or bed
rest for 3-5 days. If rest is not adequate to relieve symptoms, a cervical orthosis may be
prescribed., such as a soft cervical collar or stiffer neck brace to restrict neck
movement and shift some of the head's weight from the neck to the shoulders. Cervical
traction may also be suggested, either at home with the advice of a physical therapist or
in a health-care setting.
Drugs used to as a Cervical Spondylosis Treatment
Pain is treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin or
ibuprofen. If these drugs are ineffective, a short-term prescription for corticosteroids
or muscle relaxants may be given. For chronic pain, tricyclic antidepressants can be
prescribed. Although these drugs were developed to treat depression, they are also
effective in treating pain. Once any pain is resolved, exercises to strengthen neck muscle
and preserve flexibility are prescribed.
If the pain is severe, a short treatment of epidural corticosteroids may be prescribed
with discretion. A corticosteroid such as prednisone can be combined with an anaesthetic
and injected with a long needle into the space between the damaged disk and the covering
of the nerve and spinal cord. Injection into the cervical epidural space relieves severe
pain that is not managed with conventional treatment. Frequent use of this treatment is
not medically recommended and is used only if the more conservative therapy is not
effective.
Surgery as a Cervical Spondylosis Treatment
If pain is continuous and does not respond to conservative treatment, surgery may be
suggested. Surgery is usually not recommended for neck pain, but it may be necessary to
address radiculopathy and myelopathy. Surgery is particularly recommended for people who
have already developed moderate to severe symptoms of myelopathy, although age or poor
health may prohibit that recommendation. The specific details of the surgery depend on the
structures involved, but the overall goal is to relieve pressure on the nerve root, spinal
cord, or blood vessels and to stabilize the spine. |
