WHAT IS CERVICAL SPONDYLOSIS ?

To an extent, we all develop a degree of degeneration in the vertebrae and discs as we become older. As the ‘discs’ degenerate, over many years they become thinner. Sometimes the adjacent vertebrae develop small, rough areas of bone on their edges. The nearby muscles, ligaments, and nerves may become irritated by these degenerative changes which can cause troublesome symptoms.

What is Cervical Spine ?
The cervical spine is made up of small circular bones (vertebrae) stacked on top of each other. Between each vertebrae is an intervertebral disc which acts like a shock absorber and allows flexibility of the spine. Muscles and ligaments run between, and are attached to, the vertebrae. Nerves from the spinal cord pass between the vertebrae going to the shoulder, neck, arm, and upper chest.

Neck pain is one of the most common problems that one encounters in day to day life. It is probably as common as common cold. Cervical spondylosis may be caused by one or more of several complaints. A very common mistake is to perceive the cause of illness as a singular factor. Treating the patient for a single factor like a spur seen on X-ray or a slipped disc in the neck seen on a myelogram or CT scan need not always completely alleviate the patient’s suffering. Many a time reference to a specialist also may not prove fruitful.
Cervical Spondylosis is more frequently seen in women than men. Most people will experience neck pain at some point in their life. It is very important to attempt to ascertain the facts that can cause it.
A thorough knowledge of the structure and functioning of the neck has become essential to understand and hence successfully treat cervical spondylosis. There are several theories about why many people suffer neck pain. For most people, no specific reason for cervical spondylosis can be found. Cervical Spondylosis can come from a number of disorders and diseases of any structures in neck.
Neck pain can be caused by an injury, muscular problem or by trapped nerve between vertebrae. Inappropriate working or sleeping posture can also be the cause. Biochemical engineering has helped us to understand the dynamics of the functioning of the various joints of the cervical spine and thus their role in production of the pain. Mobility of the spine is dependent on several small joints, the derangement of the functioning of one of which, can cause neck pain and reduced movements.
It has also been possible to study the effects on the spine of external influences like concussion, hypertension, hyper flexion, etc. Routine activity like traveling, household work, office jobs though in themselves quite innocuous are potential harbingers of serious damage to the neck which results in prolonged cervical spondylosis. This will be explained later along with measures to avoid their deleterious effects.
A knowledge of such aggravating factors would prove beneficial and ensure a successful therapy. and thus helps fighting this, though general measures should always be taken to avoid it. With the increase in number of professionals who sit for hours together doing desk work or sitting for hours in front of the computer and call center jobs which requires continuous sitting in one posture the number of people suffering with cervical spondylosis is on the rise. Cervical spondylosis is a ‘wear and tear’ of the vertebrae and discs in the neck and is the most common cause.

What is fibromyalgia and myo-fascial pain syndrome?
These are conditions characterized by pain in the muscles following severe spasm associated with morning stiffness, disturbed sleep, a feeling of swelling and have clear trigger points. These points are tender and when palpated produce the typical pain.