Cervical Spondylosis Treatment & Management

Cervical spondylosis, disk generation, occurs because of wear and tear on the cervical spine (neck). By the time a person reaches age 60, most people have some degree of cervical spondylosis that is noticeable on x-rays. Disk generation can’t be prevented, but some of the risk factors that exacerbate the condition can be. So, it is best to recognize early on in life that cervical spondylosis is a part of aging and though it may not be avoided altogether, there are steps we can take throughout our lives to help prevent it from ever becoming severe. Using safety equipment, practicing good ergonomics and using items like neck pain pillows for sleeping or as supports to keep the neck aligned when working are some of the best ways to prevent severe cervical spondylosis.

Past neck injuries are one of the risk factors for developing severe cervical spondylosis. When disk generation becomes severe cervical spondylosis, several other conditions can manifest such as a pinched nerve in the neck, bone spurs, narrowing of the spinal column, etc. which in turn lead to serious complications like loss of feeling in limbs or weakness in legs and arms. Since any neck injuries that happen in youth can contribute to severe disk degeneration later in life, it is extremely important to wear protective gear when playing sports and take whatever other precautions are possible to protect your neck from injury.

Adults should use protective equipment when participating in sports also. Additionally, practicing good ergonomics, posture and performing simple neck stretches routinely to help build neck muscles and prevent neck muscle stiffness are important methods to help prevent severe cervical spondylosis. While some degree of disk generation is normal in all people, because it is due to wear and tear on the components of the neck, simple daily practices such as using neck support pillows while working or traveling and sleeping on a good neck pain pillow can greatly reduce the risk of developing severe cervical spondylosis.