How to Treat Cervical Spondylosis

Source: http://www.livestrong.com/article/19487-treat-cervical-spondylosis/

Last Updated: Aug 05, 2015 | By Jamie Simpson

A man is receiving a neck massage. Photo Credit 4774344sean/iStock/Getty Images

Cervical spondylosis, also known as cervical osteoarthritis, mainly affects those over 40 and occurs due to deterioration of the cervical spine and disks. Most cases of cervical spondylosis will improve without major interventions, though it is important to rest your neck during therapy and treatment. Taking ibuprofen or other nonsteroidal pain relievers can help, and there are a number of exercises and massages you can easily perform to strengthen your neck muscles and relieve the pain.

Step 1

Take an ibuprofen or aspirin. Read the directions on the package to learn how many and how often you can take these anti-inflammatory drugs. Reducing the swelling and pain will help all subsequent treatments work more effectively.

Step 2

Give yourself a massage—or better yet, have someone rub your neck for you. If someone else is giving you a neck massage, ask that they not press too hard—you should not feel pain during the massage. To administer an effective self-massage, start by placing the pads of your thumbs on the back of your head in the hollow at the base of your skull. Press as firmly as you can, hold for 15 seconds and release. Repeat four times.

Step 3

Move your thumbs down your spine as far as you can and sweep upward, pressing as firmly as possible. Repeat this movement 10 times.

Step 4

Turn your fingers into your shoulders right at the neck and massage the joint there. Continue for at least a minute, rest and then repeat three more times.

Step 5

Stretch your neck and shoulder muscles with this simple exercise: Drop your head toward your chest and hold for five seconds, then drop your head back and hold for five seconds. Next, while facing straight ahead, drop your right ear toward your right shoulder and hold for five seconds. Repeat with the left side. Repeat the entire set of movements at least five times in succession, remembering to be gentle and not overstretch.

Step 6

Wear a neck brace during the day to reduce movement and help keep from irritating your neck nerves. You can often purchase cervical collars from well-stocked pharmacies or medical supply stores. Remove the brace at night for sleeping.

Step 7

Ask your doctor about surgical options if your pain is persistent and rather severe. Fusion of the cervical vertebrae may be necessary to restrict movement, or the bone and disk tissue may need to be removed to help to relieve pressure on the spinal cord.

Warnings

• If you experience sharp pain, numbness, tingling, loss of motion in any part of your body or sudden incontinence, call your doctor immediately.

Things You'll Need

• Ibuprofen-containing pain relievers, such as Advil or Motrin, or aspirin
• Cervical collar (also called a neck brace)