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AUXILIARY
TREATMENT
There is
a strong tendency for the symptoms of cervical spondylosis to subside
spontaneously, though they may persist for many months and the structural
changes are clearly permanent.
Treatment is thus aimed at assisting natural resolution of temporarily
inflamed or edematous soft tissues.
In mild
cases physiotherapy may be recommended (radiant heal, short wave diathermy,
massage, traction or exercises).
In the more severe cases judicious use of a close-fitting cervical collar
for supporting the neck (it should be worn for 1-3 months depending on
progress) and rest to the neck is advisable.
In the
exceptional cases in which the spinal cord is constricted, decompression
from front or by laminectomy may be required and thereafter it may be
advisable to fuse the affected segments of the spinal column by a
bone-grafting operation.
Physiotherapy :
TOP
Once the neck problem is diagnosed, treatment can be decided.
In most neck conditions, pressure on the neck causes pain and pain causes
muscle spasms, setting up a cycle. The best way to break the cycle and stop
the pain is to relieve both pressure and spasms. There are various
approaches to achieve each of these goals. Many of them require daily
applications, so they must be done by the patient at home.
Relief of pressure:
TOP
Lying
down is perhaps the simplest way to relieving the neck of its heavy load.
Bed rest gives the muscles a chance to recover. The duration of bed rest
should be advised by the physiotherapist.
Not only is spinal molding
a relaxing way to start and end your body, it also reshapes your spine into
its natural curves. Begin by lying on the floor or g on a firm mattress with
rolled-up towels under your neck and low back. Your legs may be straight or
bent. Lie in this position for 15-20 minutes
Cervical collar helps the neck muscles support the head, it also reduces
neck mobility. The therapist may prescribe wearing of a cervical collar for
the acute phase of neck problems and the duration of wearing it. The collar
should fit snugly around the neck and be long enough to support the chin.
Men can minimize irritation from the collar by shaving frequently.
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