What are the Common Physiotherapy Treatments for Cervical Spondylosis?

Cervical Spondylosis is a condition that is often used to describe degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis) of the spine which is very common and worsens with age. Signs of osteoarthritis develop when the disks become dry and start shrinking. More than 85% of people who are above 60 fall prey to the hands of this cervical Spondylosis.

♦  Symptoms of Cervical Spondylosis:

Most people don't experience any symptoms, but symptoms may include neck stiffness and pain.

Cervical Spondylosis may cause the area to become narrow  that the spinal cord and the nerve roots of the spine  need to function properly  and this may cause pinching of the spine and the nerve roots causing symptoms like:

⇒  Tingling, weakness, and numbness in arms, legs 
⇒  Trouble walking and improper coordination
⇒  Muscle spasms
⇒  Loss of control over bowel and bladder movement
⇒  Headaches
⇒  Spells of dizziness

♦  Causes:
As a person ages, the cartilages and bones that our backbone   and neck are made of  start to wear away causing certain changes such as:

⇒  Dehydrated Disks:
With the advancement of age, the disks that cushions the vertebrae of the spine start shrinking and drying out allowing increased contact between the bones. The constant rubbing of the bone tissues wears down the vertebrae.

⇒  Herniated Disks:
Aging also affects the outer layer of the spinal disks resulting in cracks that cause bulging disks better known as herniated disks. Sometimes, it can create pressure on the spinal cord and the nerve roots.

⇒  Bone Spurs:
Degeneration of the disks often results in the creation of extra bones by spines in an incorrect way and that results in the pinching of nerve roots and the spinal cord.

⇒  Stiff Ligaments:
Ligaments are a short band of tough, flexible fibrous connective tissues which connect two bones or cartilages or hold together a joint and with age they can stiffen causing our neck to become less flexible.

Physiotherapy treatment can help with this condition. However, in more severe cases surgical treatments may be required.

If your senior loved ones are suffering from Cervical Spondylosis you can avail of Physiotherapy Services from a reputed elder care service in Kolkata that provides physiotherapy in the comfort of your home.  

Now, let us have a close look at the common physiotherapy treatments for Cervical Spondylosis:

⇒  Massage:
Body Massages involve an array of techniques. Cervical pain can be reduced with the application of appropriate pressure. Body Massages also enhance blood circulation, promote tissue growth, reduces swelling, and provide relief from muscle spasms.

⇒  Ultrasound Therapy:
This therapy is commonly used to heal tissues. The passing of sound waves causes the tissues to sway at a certain frequency that helps in regulating blood flow. This therapy is used to treat the inflammation that is caused due to the herniation of the spinal disk.

⇒  Mobilization:
This treatment is offered manually. It fosters movements in stagnant tissues and joints. It is effective in relieving pain and lubricating the joints of the spinal vertebrae.

⇒  Manipulation:
This manual treatment is aimed to improve joint movements. This treatment moves the joints with sharp and short thrusts beyond their normal range of movement.

⇒  Interferential Therapy:
In this therapy, two medium frequency currents are passed through the affected area simultaneously resulting in the creation of interference. Due to this a beat frequency is generated which has the beneficial effect of low-frequency current stimulation. The physiotherapists can provide a range of treatments like promoting blood flow, stimulating the spinal nerve, and reduction of pain and inflammation in the vertebral joints by varying the frequencies.

This blog gives us a clear idea about Cervical Spondylosis and the physiotherapy treatments that can help your beloved seniors with this condition lead a healthy and relaxed life.