Cervical Spondylosis – Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis
Tests Using Medical Imaging
Different imaging options help doctors check for problems in the spine and neck.
| Imaging Test | What It Shows | What It Helps Detect |
|---|---|---|
| X-ray | Bone structure | Bone spurs, fractures |
| MRI | Spinal cord, soft tissue, nerves | Pinched nerves, soft tissue |
| CT with Dye | Spinal canal, nerve roots | Nerve root, spinal cord issues |
- X-Ray: This test reveals bone spurs or other changes that may point to cervical spondylosis. X-rays also help doctors rule out infections, tumors, or fractures.
- MRI Scan: MRIs use magnets and radio waves to create clear images of the spinal cord and the nerves. This helps doctors spot places where nerves might be squeezed or pinched.
- CT Scan with Dye Injection: With CT myelography, a provider injects dye into the spinal canal to highlight the spinal cord, nerve roots, and the canal itself, making it easier to spot issues.
Tests That Check Nerve Health
Testing how nerves and muscles work together helps a doctor see if the nerve roots or spinal cord are under pressure.
- Muscle and Nerve Signal Test (Electromyography): This exam checks how well the nerves send messages to muscles, both when moving and when resting.
- Nerve Speed Test (Nerve Conduction Study): This test uses small electrical pulses to measure how fast nerve signals travel and how strong they are.
Treatment
Medicines Used for Symptom Relief
Medicines play a big role in easing pain and swelling from cervical spondylosis. Doctors often suggest nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen to reduce pain and inflammation.
| Medication Type | Purpose | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| NSAIDs | Reduce pain/inflammation | Ibuprofen, Naproxen |
| Corticosteroids | Lower severe pain/inflammation | Prednisone (pill/injection) |
| Muscle relaxants | Ease muscle spasms | Cyclobenzaprine |
| Anti-seizure drugs | Help nerve pain | Varies |
| Antidepressants | Help neck pain | Varies |
For stronger pain, doctors may prescribe prescription-strength NSAIDs.
If pain does not get better, doctors can add other medicines. Corticosteroids can be taken as pills for a short time, or doctors can give them as injections if pain is severe.
Muscle relaxants help if neck muscles are stiff or spasming. Doctors might prescribe medicines often used for seizures or certain antidepressants to help with nerve pain.
Movement and Exercise Therapy
Physical therapists often recommend exercises to improve neck movement and ease symptoms. A trained physical therapist can show safe exercises to stretch and strengthen the neck and shoulder muscles.
This helps lessen pain and stiffness and supports daily activity.
Some people may also benefit from spinal traction. This technique gently stretches the neck to give nerve roots more space if a bone spur or a herniated disc pinches them.
Surgical Procedures for Lasting Problems
Doctors may recommend surgery if medicines and therapy do not provide enough relief, or if a patient has signs such as weakness in the arms or legs. The surgeon removes parts causing pressure, like herniated discs or bone spurs.
Sometimes, the surgeon removes a small section of the neck bone (vertebra). In some cases, surgeons use spinal fusion to connect two or more bones with bone grafts and hardware for better stability.
Surgical methods such as laminectomy or discectomy are considered if nerves or the spinal cord are at risk of permanent damage.
Self-Care
Taking steps at home can help manage mild symptoms. Staying physically active is important—even with neck discomfort. Light exercises such as walking each day often help reduce pain and keep the neck flexible.
| Self-Care Tips | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Walking daily | Keeps neck flexible |
| Using pain relievers | Eases pain |
| Heat or ice packs | Soothes discomfort |
| Short-term use of neck brace | Supports neck temporarily |
Good posture, especially while sitting or using devices, also eases strain on the neck.
People can use over-the-counter medicines like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or naproxen to relieve discomfort. Applying heat or cold packs may help soothe sore muscles.
A soft cervical collar can offer support if a healthcare professional advises it, but people should not wear it for long periods because it may cause muscle weakness or stiffness.
Holistic Approaches
Alternative medicine offers several ways to help reduce neck pain and stiffness. Chiropractic care includes spinal adjustments or gentle massage, which aim to lessen discomfort after careful imaging.
Massage therapy and acupuncture are also being explored for relief. Early findings suggest these options might provide comfort for some people with symptoms of cervical spondylosis.
Getting Ready for Your Doctor Visit
Steps You Can Take Beforehand
- List Your Symptoms: Note down every symptom and when each started.
- Gather Your Medical Details: Bring a record of any known medical issues and a list of all medicines, vitamins, or supplements you use.
- Track Major Life Events: Jot down significant changes or stresses in your life that might be helpful for your doctor to know.
- Check Your Family Health History: If anyone in your family has had similar neck or spine problems, make a note of it.
- Bring Support: Invite a family member or friend if possible. They can help remember the doctor’s advice.
- Prepare Your Questions: Write down any questions you want to ask Healthnile or healthnile.com staff during your appointment.
Here is a helpful table to organize your preparation:
| What to Bring | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| List of symptoms | Helps your doctor understand your case. |
| Medical history/medications | Prevents medicine interactions or confusion. |
| Family health history | Spots possible patterns. |
| Personal events/stress | Offers clues to symptom triggers. |
| Prepared questions | Makes the visit more productive. |
Good Topics to Discuss With Your Provider
- What could be causing these issues?
- What tests should be considered?
- Which available treatments are best suited?
- How do your other health conditions fit in with your neck problem?
- Any new questions that come up during your visit.
Typical Questions the Doctor May Ask:
- Where is the pain located, and how would you describe it?
- Have you had pain like this in the past, and did it go away?
- Are there any changes in bladder or bowel control?
- Have you noticed weakness, numbness, or tingling in your arms or legs?
- Do you have any trouble walking or balancing?
- What home remedies or treatments have you already tried?
- What is your job and your main activities or hobbies?
- Have you had neck injuries, like whiplash, in the past?
If you prepare to answer these questions, you can spend more time discussing your main concerns and help your doctor better understand your situation.
