NECK PAIN (SPONDYLOSIS)
CAUSES
· Spondolysis is age-related wear and tear of the vertebrae and discs in the neck region.
· It starts mostly after the age of 30 because vertebrae become rough and discs become thinner.
· Small bones are formed in between the vertebrae and cause compression over the nerves.
· Advancing age, trauma, accident, occupational injury and bad postural habits are common causes of cervical spondolysis.
SYMPTOMS
· Frequent neck and shoulder pain
· Ache in the upper arm
· Giddiness
· Numbness in the fingertips
· Fatigue and
· Disturbed sleep
PREVENTION
· Exercise your neck regularly.
· Keep it in a relaxed position and support it with a pillow to avoid injury.
· If you have a desk job, try to take a break every half an hour and move your neck.
· Don’t move your neck with a jerk.
· Keep the movements of your neck as normal as possible.
· During flare-ups, the pain may be quite bad, and you may need to rest for a day or so.
· Gently exercise your neck as soon as you are able to.
· You should not let your neck stiffen up.
· Gradually, try to increase the range of the neck movements.
· Try and practice isometric exercises several times a day.
· A hot water bottle over the painful area can also relieve pain.
· Painkillers and anti-inflammatory medicines can also help in initial stages.
· A good physiotherapist can help you with exercise.
· Try yoga or sports, but consult your doctor before doing so.
MEDICAL INTERVENTIONS
1. CERVICAL EPIDURAL INJECTION
· This is a simple x-ray guided injection, through which an anti-inflammatory drug is injected around the affected vertebrae and nerves in the neck.
· This helps reduce inflammation and keeps the neck relaxed and movable.
· Once the neck is relaxed, you can exercise to keep it fit.
2. RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION
· This is a newer technique, which requires inserting a radiofrequency needle in the neck with live x-ray guidance.
· The proper position of the ailment is confirmed with the help of an x-ray machine.
· Then it is properly placed using radiofrequency current to make the painful joint numb.
· This procedure numbs the sensory part of the facet joint and nerve and does not affect any function of the nerve.