Srinagar, Apr 14: With the ongoing change in lifestyle, the problems related to the spine are constantly rising among people of different age groups, including the younger generation. The work-from-home culture among adults has led to serious spine ailments right from an early age. It has been seen that almost 128.1% of the adult population suffer from some form of spinal problem, which also includes cervical spondylosis.
Dr. Anurag Saxena, HOD and Consultant Neurosurgery, HCMCT Manipal Hospitals, Dwarka, Delhi, says, “Cervical spondylosis shows minimal signs in the initial stages. Usually, the condition causes pain and stiffness in the neck. It is important that one should not ignore neck pain as it can be a sign of cervical spondylitis. There are many other symptoms which most people tend to ignore, and it escalates over time.”
He said some symptoms of cervical spondylosis include numbness, or weakness of the limbs, especially the arm, hand, leg, or foot; neck pain with or without radiation to one or both arms; restriction of neck movement; difficulty in walking; lack of coordination; bladder or bowel control problems; and frequent headache.
“Age is one of the most common factors in cervical spondylosis. It has been seen that people over the age of 60 years are at a higher risk of this condition. Moreover, due to the sedentary lifestyle, people tend to sit for long hours with minimal physical activity, which further increases the risk of this condition,” the doctor said. Apart from that, a history of previous neck injuries and genetic factors also increase the risk of cervical spondylosis. At the same time, smoking has been linked to increased neck pain.
How can you manage cervical spondylosis?
Regular exercises and physical therapy: Specific exercises and stretches may help in relieving the pain caused by cervical spondylosis. Physical therapy focuses on stretching and strengthening muscles and improving posture.
Ice and heat massage: Applying heat or ice typically for 20 minutes, several times a day and massage will surely help in releasing pain and discomfort.
Eat a healthy diet: One must get into the habit of eating promptly and adding lots of nutritious food to the daily diet. It is also recommended to quit smoking and consuming alcohol as it not only affects the spine condition but also improves overall health. Adding green and leafy vegetables along with nuts makes the spine healthy.
Medical help: It is also recommended to seek medical help in case of any persisting symptoms and stick to medication prescribed by the doctor. Moreover, surgery if indicated is nowadays very safe due to advances in technology and expertise. Therefore, one must consult the doctor if any surgical procedure is also required to tackle this condition.
(Dr. Anurag Saxena regularly visits Srinagar to provide consultation and treatment to the patient of Srinagar. He will be available for consultation on April 15 between 11 am to 1 pm at Florence Hospital, Srinagar)
