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Degenerative cervical spondylosis, pressing on nerves

Degenerative cervical spondylosis, pressing on nerves It is a disease caused by the deterioration of the cervical discs that press on the spinal cord. Usually this disease is associated with an older age. It is most common between the ages of 40 – 50 years and is more common in males than females in a ratio of 1.7 to 1 .

Symptom

• A sharp pain radiated from the nape of the neck to the arm.
• Numbness and weakness in your arms, hands, legs, or feet
• Loss of ability to balance or walk abnormally lose control
• loss of excretory control inability to hold urine or stool

When to consult a doctor

A patient should seek urgent treatment. If you find yourself feeling numb and weak. or loss of balance including controlling the functioning of the excretory system

Cause

as we get older The cervical vertebrae and cervical discs will gradually deteriorate from improper use or repeated use over a long period of time. Such deterioration will result in different effects as follows:

• Cervical disc herniation – The cervical disc serves to support the weight of the skull. It is located between the cervical vertebrae in each segment. Most of the herniated discs tend to begin to deteriorate around the age of 35 years, which will result in the spinal joints working harder. as well as narrowing the nerve cavity
• Cervical disc herniation presses on nerves – as you get older Herniated discs are likely to deteriorate and cause herniated disc disease. This results in pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots.
• Bone regeneration – Deterioration of the intervertebral discs can cause the spine to build up more bone to support the joints. Bone spurs can also put pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots.

Factors that increase the risk of cervical osteochondrosis

• Older age – cervical spondylosis It is a condition that tends to occur more often as you get older.
• Occupation – Occupations that require frequent neck movements. The cervical body is used in an unusual manner. Or working with the neck higher than eye level for a long time will result in more pressure on the neck.
• Neck Injuries – Neck injuries that may have occurred in the past. May be a trigger factor causing cervical osteochondrosis
• Smoking – Smoking has been found to be a trigger factor that increases the likelihood of developing the disease.

Diagnosis

The doctor will take a history and examine the patient’s body. by examining the movement of the patient’s cervical vertebra Including examining the sensation of the nerves that run to feed the muscle bundles. muscle strength check as well as the reflexes related to that nerve to check for pressure on the spinal nerves or spinal cord And there will be an examination by having the patient take a walk to determine if spinal pressure is affecting the patient’s gait.

Sending additional laboratory tests

Your doctor may recommend additional lab tests with X-rays. or images from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

cervical x-ray It can indicate the location of various abnormalities, including bone regeneration. which can assess the symptoms of cervical spondylosis
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – An MRI can pinpoint the location. as well as indicating the severity of the spinal cord compression to be used in the treatment plan nerve function test

Your doctor may recommend a nerve function test. To check that it can send signals to the muscles normally. with the following examination characteristics:

• Electromyography of muscles and nerves It measures electrical currents in the nerves that send signals to muscles during contraction.
• Nerve conduction test – An electrode is attached to the skin and a weak electric current is released. through the nerve to measure the efficiency and speed of nerve signaling

Treatment guidelines

Treatment will depend on the severity of the individual patient’s condition. Treatment focuses on relieving pain. Reducing the daily routine that affects the patient’s symptoms as well as preventing permanent injuries to the spinal cord and nerves

Medication: A

the doctor may prescribe a specific medication to the patient. The group of drugs currently used is:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – Patients often experience pain in the nape of the neck. Therefore, it may be necessary to receive these drugs to relieve the pain and inflammation of cervical spondylosis.
• Corticosteroids – Taking prednisolone for a short time can relieve pain. However, if the symptoms are severe Your doctor may use steroid injections into the sciatic nerve to reduce swelling and inflammation in the spinal cord.
• muscle relaxants – certain drugs, such as cyclobenzaprine It can help reduce spasms or cramps in the neck muscles.
• Anticonvulsants – Some epilepsy drugs, such as gabapentin, can reduce pain from nerve damage.
• Antidepressants – Some antidepressants can be used to relieve the pain of cervical spondylosis.

Physical therapy Your rehabilitation medicine

the doctor will develop an exercise program that helps to strengthen the flexibility and strength of the neck and shoulder muscles. Occasionally, patients with cervical spondylosis and cervical disc herniation can benefit from stretching. This is because it can increase the space between the spinal joints from compression of the spinal cord.

Surgery
in cases where the patient’s condition is severe, such as increased numbness in the arm or leg. arm muscle weakness Unable to handle objects normally due to lack of strength in hands abnormal gait from before Your doctor may recommend surgical treatment. Its purpose is to reduce spinal cord compression. Make a dilation of the spinal cord cavity. By surgery, herniated discs that press on nerves or sprouted bones may be removed. including dissection of parts of the spine and welding the bone joints using bone reinforcement or other medical materials

Lifestyle modifications and self-care secrets

• Exercise regularly – Exercising regularly will help your symptoms get better faster.
• generic drug use – ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, or acetaminophen. It can help relieve pain from osteoarthritis.
• Hot or Cold Compress – Applying a hot or cold compress to the nape of the neck can help relieve muscle pain in the nape.
• Neck splint – Using a splint can give your neck muscles a break from work. However, it is extremely important to use it for a long period of time. Because it will make the neck muscles weak.

Preparation before seeing the doctor

How to prepare before your appointment

Identify symptoms and time of onset.

• Identify important medical information including other medical conditions that may not be related to cervical spondylosis
• List important personal information. including stress or major changes
• List all medications, vitamins, or supplements the patient is taking and is taking.
• Write down questions to ask your doctor.
• What to expect from seeing a doctor

Here are some questions your doctor will ask:

The position of the painful neck

Have you ever had similar pain that eventually got better on its own?
Do you have problems with your urinary system or stools?
Do you have aches or weakness in your arms, hands, legs, or feet?
Do you have trouble walking or balancing?
what is your occupation and the nature of daily routine
Have you ever injured your neck?