Sitting for a long time on the computer sleeping in one position or say long drives or at times

mental stress aggravates spine pain. In medical terms, we call this Cervical Pain or

Cervical Spondylosis. Before we get into the understanding of what is cervical pain or

spondylosis, we need to first understand what is cervical spine.

Cervical Spine consists of the first seven vertebrae in your spine. It provides support for your

head helps in a wide range of head movements, and protects your spinal cord.

When some part of your spine starts wearing out, this causes pain in the spine, which is

called cervical pain or cervical spondylosis. The medical term is also called neck arthritis.

One feel, neck pain, and stiffness. This is a condition or illness that cannot be cured

completely but can be managed by some changes and exercises.

Symptoms and Causes

The common symptoms are;

• Neck Pain

• Neck stiffness & discomfort

• Headache starts from the bottom of your neck

• In severe pain, vomiting sensations

• Numbness & sensation in arms or hand

• Dizziness

• Grinding & popping sounds during the neck movement

Causes can be many;

• Any injury due to accident.

• Physical strain, lifting heavy objects without taking correct measures.

• An outgrowth of a bone, which presses against the spinal nerve and cord.

• Bad sleeping position.

• At times runs in the family.

• Overworking for long hours in one posture.

• Mental stress

• Long drives and lifestyle.

Earlier cervical pain was associated with age-related factors, like weakening of muscles or

wear & tear of bones. But, the research says, this is commonly found at a very young age

from the mid-20 or early 30s. the reasons are various. The major reason or cause is the lifestyle.

Metro cities like Noida or cities in NCR. In the last decades, the change in lifestyle and

urbanization has brought many job opportunities but has introduced many problems as well. In

terms of commuting time between workplace to homes has increased which includes long

drives, sitting at desk Infront of computers, leading to wrong postures and cervical pain.

Mental stress, work-related, education, jobs, etc.

Last but not least, poor exercise and food habits also lead to cervical pain. Health

providers state, that the majority of the young population, complains of persistent aches and

shooting pain that travels from their neck to their shoulders or arms.

How to diagnose the cervical pain & remedies/treatments?

The basic diagnosis is done first with the first physical screening:

Which your neck motions will be checked, checking on your reflexes to see if there are any

pressure on your cervical spine nerve. To get a detail examining, the scanning is done;

ranging from X-rays, CT scans and MRI, at times, nerve function tests are conducted to check

whether your nerves are transmitting the signals to your muscles or not.

Remedies/treatments

The treatment plans are made completely based on the severity of the pain. If the pain is at

the very beginning level, the goal will be to relieve your pain and help you perform your

day-to-day activities smoothly. And also prevent further damage to the spinal cord.

The health providers will prescribe some painkillers if the pain is very mild. They might suggest

some lifestyle changes, checking on your sitting postures. I suggest some help for

mental well-being to reduce stress. Muscle relaxation or anti-depressants. Soft neck

braces to support your neck muscles.

But if the pain is chronic, the health providers suggest Physiotherapy.

Physiotherapy in Cervical Pain:

Physiotherapy is also called Physical therapy. The objective of this treatment is, to help the

patient maintain, manage, and restore the mobility of the body part; the part which has been

affected due to injury surgery or chronic pain.

Physiotherapy is mainly suggested

• When the cervical pain is very chronic.

• The diagnosis result shows sever damage to the spine muscles.

• Muscle tissue damage due to some injury.

• It is also recommended, as part of a larger treatment program for other diseases or

• chronic conditions.

• Physical therapy helps in prevention and rehabilitation for you to cope with your

• daily routine work without any discomfort.

Physiotherapy is a very well-planned treatment if done under a professional;

The therapist will design the session/treatment according to your needs after reading and

understanding your diagnosis findings. Your treatment will include;

• Through understanding of your medical history.

• The physiotherapist will break down your diagnoses to understand your body

• condition; based on this your treatment will be designed. Like what kind of exercise to

• do, and what kind of stretches are required to restore and strengthen your muscles.

• The treatment may include tractions, which is a manual technique of stretching the

• affected cervical spine to reduce cervical pain.

• The number of sessions is based on the severity of the pain.

It is always suggested to plan your treatment with an experienced physiotherapist, after your

correct diagnosis.

Summary

Cervical pain or spondylosis can last for a few days or years altogether. Don’t ignore the neck

pain and stiffness. Try to make some lifestyle changes, regular exercise and check on your

sitting posture; if the still pain does not reduce check in with a professional, and if

recommended go for physiotherapy.

FAQ

At what age does cervical pain start?

Cervical pain is very much age-related and gets worse with aging. But now research says, this

getting very common in the age bracket of the mid-20s to early 30s. Due to various reasons, long

• working hours, long drives, and stress.

• Starting symptoms of cervical pain

• Pain in the neck that may travel to your arms or shoulders.

• Headaches.

• Weakness in your arms and legs.

• Numbness in your shoulders, arms, or hands.

• Stiffness in the neck.

How does physiotherapy help with cervical pain?

It helps in stretching, restoring, and strengthening the muscles due to wear and tear in

the cervical spine.