How can Spondylosis be treated ?
It is important to keep active, but do not over exert yourself. The balance between mild to moderate exercise and rest is necessary. It is usual for the discomfort to improve with time, although the stiffness remains.
Strong medical reassurance coupled with advice from a physiotherapist about posture and improving physical fitness can sometime be helpful. Cervical collar or neck brace may be advisable to give rest and to ease pain.
Exercise:
Regular gentle exercise for the neck will help the pain and stiffness to ease. Orthopeadician or physiotherapists will advice the best exercise Gentle and slow stretching exercises Stretch are recommended. Swimming or hydrotherapy will help overcome the stiffness. To further relieve the pressure, the doctor may prescribe a cervical traction device. This device is attached to the patient head and pulls up on it using a pulley system and weights. It is usually applied a few times a day and can be used while sitting or lying in bed.
Some times bed rest for a period of 1-2 weeks may be essential.
Medication:
Regular use of mild painkillers will relieve aches and pains.
Surgery:
Surgery is another option. But this depends on the patient’s age, duration of the problem, type of neck disease, the degree of damage to the spine or spinal cord. Surgical procedures include removal of abnormal bone growths and sometimes stabilization of neck with fusing the vertebrae with each other.
