Neck Pain : Stay Safe From SPONDYLITIS…

MODERN AGE LIFESTYLE AND WORK HEAVILY DEPENDS ON COMPUTERS AND MOBILE SCREENS. THIS RESULTS IN NECK PAIN AND SPONDLYTIS. BE SAFE BY ADOPTING CORRECT POSTURE AND HEALTHY LIFE STYLE , SAYS Dr. Arti Bhargava Mishra.

Over the past few months’ number of patients suffering from neck pain or cervical spondylitis have seen a significant rise. These even include teenagers and school going children. It seems extensive use of computers and mobile phones , that too with a wrong sitting posture, has caught new victims.

More and more dependence on electronic gadgets for studies, work and entertainment during the period of Corona Pandemic has definitely added to spread of this life style related medical condition.

Neck pain or spondylitis
cervical spondylitis

Since cervical spondylitis is becoming so common it is necessary to know what it is and how it could be prevented and cured.


WHAT IS CERVICAL SPONDYLITIS (NECK PAIN)?


Cervical spondylitis is a common term for wear and tear of the cervical disks in spine (neck) that can lead to neck pain, neck stiffness and other symptoms. As the disks lose water content and begin to dry out and weaken it causes collapse of the disk spaces and loss of disk height. As a result the facet joints (spinal joints) experience increased pressure, they also begin to degenerate and develop arthritis. If the cartilage wears away completely, it can result in bone rubbing on bone, thus narrowing the space for the nerves and spinal cord to pass through.

Who is most at risk for getting cervical spondylitis?


Till few years ago, when this problem was not so common people with age related issues or those working in certain sectors of public life were at the higher risk.
For example- “ masons and those working on construction sites where one was compelled to lift heavy overhead weights or continuous downward movement of neck like flooring installers


In the age of computers and modern technology this posture related crises has also extended to those maintaining inappropriate neck posture for long periods of time while working at a computer screen, excessive use of mobile phones, driving a car or reading a book
Apart from it excessive smoking, being overweight and inactive can also make one prone to this disease

Symptoms

neck pain or cervical spondylitis
pain and stiffness in the neck

For most people, cervical spondylitis causes no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they typically include pain and stiffness in the neck. This pain can range from mild to severe.

The pain usually improves with rest or lying down in initial stage. Neck pain may also be associated with muscle spasm or tenderness in and around the neck region and may involve the shoulder joint to manifest as frozen shoulder.

When the nerves are compressed, tingling, numbness and weakness in your arms, hands and fingers may accompany.

People with cervical spondylosis tend to have concomitant cervical vertigo symptoms like tinnitus (ringing bells), headache, blur vision, palpitation, nausea, vomiting. Pain may also cause rise in blood pressure.

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Treatment


In most cases, treatment for cervical spondylosis is nonsurgical. Physical therapy is usually the first choice of treatment.Exercises Specific exercises can help relieve pain, as well as strengthen and stretch weakened or strained muscles of the neck and shoulders.
Cervical traction Some people with cervical spondylosis benefit from the use of traction, which can help gently stretch the joints to improve the space within the spine if nerve roots are being pinched.

Neck pain , cervical spondylitis and spinal stiffness
cervical spondylitis

Soft cervical collar

Your doctor may advise you to wear a soft cervical collar to limit neck motion and allow the muscles in your neck to rest. A soft collar should only be worn for a short period of time since long-term wear may decrease the strength of the muscles in your neck.

Heat therapy

It gives relaxation to the tight muscles and also help to relieve pain by increasing blood circulation. Heat therapy should be given for ten to fifteen minutes twice daily.

STEPS FOR NO PAIN.

Good Posture

maintaining good posture while working on computer, mobile, driving a car or reading a book is equally important to relieve the joint and neck muscles from stress.

Taking short breaks

Short breaks while doing continuous neck movements or holding static postures and replacing with neck exercises is the key to NO PAIN.

Dr Arti Bhargav Mishra

Dr. Arti Bhargava Mishra (Masters in Physiotherapy –orthopedic and sports)
Dr. Arti Bhargava Mishra.
(Masters in Physiotherapy –orthopedic and sports)

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