Cervical Spondylosis | Patientexperts

Cervical Spondylosis: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

by Spinal Health Spine Surgery

Cervical spondylosis is a common age-related condition that affects the cervical spine, the part of the spine that runs through the neck. As we age, the discs and joints in the cervical spine gradually wear down, leading to degenerative changes that can cause a range of symptoms, from mild discomfort to severe pain and neurological problems. Understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for cervical spondylosis is crucial for managing the condition effectively and maintaining a good quality of life.

Understanding Cervical Spondylosis

Cervical spondylosis, also known as neck arthritis or cervical osteoarthritis, refers to the wear-and-tear changes that occur in the cervical spine. These changes are primarily caused by the degeneration of intervertebral discs and the formation of bone spurs (osteophytes) as the body attempts to stabilize the spine. While cervical spondylosis is most commonly seen in individuals over the age of 50, it can affect younger people, particularly those who have experienced significant neck injuries or have certain genetic predispositions.

Symptoms of Cervical Spondylosis

The symptoms of cervical spondylosis can vary widely depending on the severity of the degeneration and whether any nerve roots or the spinal cord are being compressed. Some people may have cervical spondylosis without experiencing any symptoms, while others may suffer from debilitating pain and neurological issues. Common symptoms include:

  1. Neck Pain: Chronic neck pain is one of the most prevalent symptoms of cervical spondylosis. The pain can range from mild to severe and is often described as a deep, aching discomfort. It may worsen with certain activities, such as looking down at a computer screen or driving for extended periods.
  2. Stiffness: The neck may feel stiff, making it difficult to move the head, especially after periods of inactivity or upon waking in the morning.
  3. Headaches: Cervical spondylosis can lead to tension headaches, often starting at the base of the skull and radiating to the forehead.
  4. Radiculopathy: When a nerve root becomes compressed, it can cause radiculopathy, a condition characterized by pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates from the neck into the shoulders, arms, or hands. This is often referred to as “pinched nerve.”
  5. Myelopathy: In more severe cases, cervical spondylosis can lead to myelopathy, a condition where the spinal cord itself is compressed. Symptoms of myelopathy may include difficulty with balance and coordination, weakness in the arms or legs, and problems with fine motor skills, such as buttoning a shirt.
  6. Crepitus: Some individuals with cervical spondylosis may notice a grinding or popping sensation when moving their neck. This is known as crepitus and is caused by the roughening of joint surfaces.
  7. Loss of bladder or bowel control: In extreme cases where the spinal cord is significantly compressed, there may be a loss of bladder or bowel control, which requires immediate medical attention.

Causes of Cervical Spondylosis

Cervical spondylosis is primarily caused by the natural aging process, but several factors can accelerate the degenerative changes in the cervical spine. These include:

  1. Age: As we age, the discs in our spine lose moisture and become less flexible, making them more prone to damage. The bones and ligaments in the spine also thicken, which can contribute to the development of cervical spondylosis.
  2. Wear and Tear: Repetitive movements, poor posture, and activities that place stress on the neck can contribute to the wear and tear of the cervical spine over time. Occupations that require heavy lifting, prolonged sitting, or frequent bending and twisting of the neck can increase the risk of developing cervical spondylosis.
  3. Genetics: A family history of cervical spondylosis or other spinal conditions may increase an individual’s susceptibility to the disease.
  4. Injuries: Previous neck injuries, such as whiplash, can damage the cervical spine and accelerate the degenerative process.
  5. Smoking: Smoking has been shown to reduce blood flow to the spinal discs, which can lead to faster degeneration and an increased risk of cervical spondylosis.
  6. Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of physical activity and poor overall fitness can weaken the muscles that support the spine, contributing to the development of cervical spondylosis.

Diagnosis of Cervical Spondylosis

Diagnosing cervical spondylosis typically involves a combination of a physical examination, medical history, and imaging tests. During the physical examination, the doctor will assess the range of motion in the neck, check for muscle weakness, and evaluate any neurological symptoms. Imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans can help visualize the degenerative changes in the cervical spine and identify any nerve or spinal cord compression.

Treatment Options for Cervical Spondylosis

The treatment of cervical spondylosis aims to relieve pain, improve function, and prevent further degeneration. Depending on the severity of the condition, treatment options may include:

Conservative Treatments:

  • Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can design a personalized exercise program to strengthen the neck muscles, improve posture, and increase the range of motion. Physical therapy can also include techniques like heat or cold therapy, ultrasound, and manual manipulation to reduce pain and stiffness.
  • Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants, and pain relievers can help manage pain and inflammation associated with cervical spondylosis. In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be recommended to reduce inflammation around the nerves.
  • Lifestyle Modifications: Making changes to daily habits, such as improving posture, using ergonomic equipment, and avoiding activities that strain the neck, can help manage symptoms and prevent further damage.
  • Bracing: In some cases, a cervical collar or brace may be recommended to support the neck and reduce pain during flare-ups.

Interventional Procedures:

  • Epidural Steroid Injections: These injections deliver steroids directly to the affected area to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
  • Facet Joint Injections: Injections into the facet joints can help reduce pain and inflammation in the joints of the cervical spine.

Surgical Treatment:

Surgery is usually considered a last resort for cervical spondylosis when conservative treatments have failed, and there is significant nerve or spinal cord compression. Surgical options may include decompression procedures, such as laminectomy or discectomy, or spinal fusion to stabilize the affected area.

Conclusion

Cervical spondylosis is a common condition that can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life if not properly managed. While it is primarily associated with aging, understanding the symptoms and seeking early treatment can help alleviate pain and prevent complications. Consult with the best pain management doctors in Dubai, UAE. 

Contact Patientexperts.co and book an appointment with an expert spine surgeon in Dubai.

Post-Surgical Care and Rehabilitation After Spine Surgery

Post-Surgical Care and Rehabilitation After Spine Surgery

by Spinal Health Spine SurgeryUncategorized

Spine surgery is a major decision for people. Patients are concerned not only about the procedure but also about the recovery period following spinal surgery. In this blog We have summarised the normal post-operative treatment of a patient following spine surgery. 

Wound care and bath:

It is normal practice to change dressings often, even if they are clean. Patients sometimes ask the doctor how often they should change their dressing. A dressing change is typically not necessary following minimally invasive spine procedures unless the dressing material becomes soaked in blood/liquid/body fluids (sweat, urine, or faeces). A dressing change is typically performed before hospital release for larger/open surgeries.

A drain is implanted for larger procedures or surgeries that result in considerable bleeding. Draining helps to eliminate extra blood from a surgical site. This extra blood might normally gather inside the wound, becoming a source of infection, or seeping through the wound, delaying wound healing. In these circumstances, the dressing is changed immediately after surgery, and the drain is removed. 

Patients at home do not need to change their dressings until they become moist or come off the skin. It is usually removed at the same time as the suture/staples after two weeks. A temporary bandage may be placed following suture removal for a few days to allow the suture removal holes to heal. Many patients have absorbable sutures. These people do not need any stitches removed. Small stereo-strip dressings may be left around the wound, which will fall off spontaneously after taking a bath in a few days. 

Patients can take a mild shower 4-5 days following surgery. To avoid infection, it is best not to use water-based soap on the wound. Wiping the body down with a moist cloth is another option. Water-repellent dressings that cling to the skin serve to keep the wound dry.

Infections, though rare, can occur. A heated, red, and swollen wound suggests infection, especially if there is frequent, foul-smelling discharge accompanied by fever and chills. In this case, your surgeon should be notified promptly. 

Mobilisation:

In most situations, patients may sit and walk the same day or the next following spine surgery. Usually, there are no restrictions on how long a patient can sit, stand, or walk. Patients are free to participate in these activities at their discretion. This is true even for open operations. Robust titanium implants enable quick weight bearing following spinal instrumentation operations.

Patients who have pre-operative leg weakness may need to wait until leg strength recovers before walking again. However, even in these circumstances, sitting is permitted immediately. Implant hold is insufficient in severely osteoporotic bones. To avoid implant loosening/breakage, these patients may need to stay in bed for an extended period until spinal fusion occurs. 

Household work:

Patients are allowed to conduct domestic chores in a sitting or standing position as soon as they are comfortable. They are normally free to sit, stand, or stroll for as long as they like. However, leaning forward, sitting on the floor, and heavy lifting should be avoided.

Other Activities:

Patients are free to carry out all activities in chair-sitting or standing positions that are most comfortable for them. Walking-related activities are also permitted, such as visits to the local market or walks in the park. The patient can also climb stairs. It is suggested to avoid the following activities:

  • Sitting on the floor
  • Bending forward
  • Lifting hefty loads (more than 5 kilogrammes).  
  • Twist the body

These limits are often enforced for 4-6 weeks to allow the disc and soft tissue near the surgery site to recover. Additionally, bone repair and consolidation take around 3-6 months after spinal fusion surgery. High labour, carrying extremely high weights, and sporting activities should be avoided for 6 months following fusion surgery. These limits are in place to avoid symptom recurrence after spinal decompression surgery and implant failure (loosening/breakage) following spine fusion surgery.

Return to Work:

Patients who work at a desk or in an office can start as soon as they feel comfortable. People who travel often or engage in mild-moderate demanding occupations should wait 3-4 weeks after a decompression operation and 6-8 weeks after a spine fusion surgery before returning to work. Heavy manual labour should be avoided for three to six months. 

Use of braces:

A cervical or lumbar belt is typically used to stabilise the spine following surgery. These braces provide some spine support, but their major goal is to control spine motions, soothe the patient, and remind them about the operation so they continue to take usual precautions.

Physiotherapy:

The patient needs some assistance to sit and walk soon following surgery. Physiotherapy is offered while they are in the hospital. Once released, the majority of patients do not require further physiotherapy. They are encouraged to engage in activities on their own. Patients with pre-operative weakness, extra weight, or other medical conditions may require a lengthier course of physiotherapy. This may be done at home as well. For individuals with leg/arm weakness, electrical muscle stimulation treatment is essential for a few weeks to assist muscle recovery.

Pain During Recovery:

Pain from spine surgery is bearable. During a hospital stay, powerful pain drugs are administered orally and intravenously. After discharge, patients are given gradually diminishing dosages of pain medication, with the expectation that discomfort will gradually subside as healing occurs. Some pain medicines are provided following suture removal and should be taken as needed. 

Nerve Recovery:

Nerve compression can produce a variety of symptoms. Pain, tingling-numbness, loss of feeling, and muscular weakness typically develop in order. Severe spinal cord compression affects the intestines and bladder. Even if the spinal cord and nerves are free following surgery, healing does not occur immediately. Pain symptoms (radiculopathy) are typically the first to improve. Tingling-numbness might last for a long period. Weakness in muscles and bowel-bladder involvement requires a long time to heal since these symptoms imply severe nerve injury. Additionally, nerve healing is seldom linear. Patients typically have recurring bouts of discomfort and numbness while recuperating. They should be educated about this phenomenon to avoid concern.

Conclusion

If you are someone who is looking for an best spine surgeon in Dubai, UAE, contact patientexperts.co. Our team can help you connect with the best doctors and hospitals that can provide the best spinal surgery in Dubai, UAE. 

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The Benefits of Regular Exercise for Spine Health

The Benefits of Regular Exercise for Spine Health

by Spinal Health Spine Surgery

Maintaining a healthy spine is essential for overall wellness and movement. Regular exercise is one of the most efficient ways to keep your spine healthy. This blog delves into the benefits of regular exercise for spine health, offering insights and practical strategies to keep your spine in top shape. 

 

  1. Strengthens core muscles: Regular exercise, especially core-strengthening activities, is essential for spinal support. The core muscles, which include the abdominals, obliques, and lower back muscles, offer stability and relieve tension on the spine during daily tasks.
  2. Improves posture: Exercise improves posture by strengthening the muscles that support the spine. Yoga and Pilates, for example, emphasise alignment and body awareness, which promotes good posture and lowers the risk of developing spine problems. 
  3. Enhances flexibility: Stretching and yoga are examples of flexibility activities that help to enhance spine range of motion. Increased flexibility minimises the risk of injury and relieves stiffness, which can cause back pain.
  4. Reduces back pain: Regular physical activity helps to relieve chronic back pain by improving blood flow to the spine and decreasing inflammation. Low-impact workouts, such as swimming and walking, are especially beneficial to people who have back pain. 
  5. Promotes Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise eases the strain on the spine. Excess body weight can increase pressure on the spinal discs, causing pain and degeneration.
  6. Increases bone density: Weight-bearing workouts like walking, running, and resistance training can help build bone density. Stronger bones lower the incidence of spinal fractures and osteoporosis. 
  7. Improves mental health: Exercise provides numerous mental health advantages, including reduced stress and anxiety. Lower stress levels can help relieve tension in the back muscles, resulting in a healthy spine.
  8. Improves circulation: Physical activity boosts circulation, ensuring that the spinal discs receive vital nutrients. Better circulation improves the health and regeneration of spinal tissues. 
  9. Boosts endorphins: Exercise causes the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain relievers. These compounds serve to relieve pain and provide a sense of well-being, which is especially beneficial for people who suffer from chronic back pain.
  10. Encourages healthy habits: Regular exercise promotes the development of other healthy behaviours, such as keeping right posture, using excellent ergonomics, and participating in activities that promote spine health. 

Conclusion 

Regular exercise has several benefits for spinal health. The benefits are obvious, ranging from core muscle strengthening and posture improvement to back pain relief and mental health enhancement. Prioritise physical exercise to keep your spine healthy and pain-free.

If you are looking for pain management doctors in Dubai to treat your spine pain, contact our team today & we will help you to book an appointment with the best doctors that provides professional spinal surgery in Dubai, UAE. Contact us today to know more.