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Treatment of Cervical spondylosis

Most symptoms respond to basic treatment such as:

• Rest - a period of rest is often recommended. This may range from limiting normal activities (‘taking it easy’) to complete bed rest for three to five days.
• Neck collar or brace - this limits neck movement and means that the shoulders are taking the weight of the head.
• Exercises - These may help relieve symptoms and strengthen neck and shoulder muscles.
• Traction - in some cases intermittent neck traction may be recommended for one to two weeks. This may be in hospital or at home.
• Pain relieving drugs- pain can be treated with paracetamol or with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen, which help to reduce pain and swelling. People with certain conditions such as asthma, high blood pressure, heart problems or kidney failure may not be able to take anti-inflammatory drugs. As a short-term measure when pain is particularly bad, a muscle-relaxing drug (such as diazepam) may help.
• Pain-relieving injections -some patients may have the spaces between the vertebrae injected with corticosteroids which reduce inflammation and reduce pain, which in turn has a muscle-relaxing effect.
• Alternative therapy - this may be combined with conventional medical treatment to relieve tension, manage pain, and strengthen neck and back muscles. The options include physiotherapy, massage, yoga, chiropractic, acupuncture and work on improving posture. Vitamin and mineral supplements, herbal therapies and homeopathy may help to rebuild the weakened spinal structure.

In cases of severe or chronic pain or loss of movement, surgery may be recommended. Surgery relieves pressure on the nerve root, spinal cord or blood vessels and stabilises the spine. It involves the removal of bone and disc tissue in the neck (called decompression of the spine) and can significantly reduce pain. However, these effects may only last for a period of one year or less [1], therefore surgery is often a last resort that must be carefully considered before being undertaken.

If left untreated, or if treatment is not successful, cervical spondylosis may lead to permanent disability.

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