What is cervical spondylitis?
Cervical = Neck spine, ‘Spondylo’ = Vertebra, ‘Itis’ means Inflammation or swelling
swelling of vertebras (ring like bones) of neck spine
Cervical spondylitis is a common degenerative disorder of neck spine. Cervical spondylitis is generally seen in elderly people from age 50yrs onwards, but due to modern lifestyle even 35-45years age group is suffering from this disease. The degenerative changes may occur in vertebra or intervertebral disc.
Causes of cervical spondylitis
1) Aging: Due to wear and tear in the body, intervertebral space may reduce, leading to bulge or herniation of disc. There may also be development of bone spurs or extra bone growth.
2) Bad sitting posture e.g. in computer professionals
3) Occupation related activities for example, weight lifters, telephone operators, Drivers
4) Lack of exercise
5) Use of too many or no pillow.
6) Neck injuries / Bike riding for long distance with helmate
7) Genetic factors (family history of cervical spondylitis)
8) Obesity and being inactive
9) Congenital diseases, fused spine, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome etc.
10) Travelers: who has to travel long distance and sleep in sitting position.
Sign and symptoms
1) Neck pain – Mild or severe pain in neck which may radiate to shoulder, arms, elbow, thumb and fingers. Hand or neck movements may get restricted due to pain.
2) Stiff neck – The muscles in the neck, side of neck, shoulder and sometimes arms will be stiff and painful.
3) Headache Some patients may feel heaviness in head during neck pain
4) Restricted movement- Extreme neck movements may become limited or painful specially looking down.
5) Muscular weakness – Patent may feel weakness in muscles while performing daily activities.
6) Tingling and numbness – Vertebras present in the neck spine applies pressure over the nerves passing through them and can cause tingling and numbness in fingers or even loss of sensation.
Diagnosis of Cervical Spondylitis:
Clinical examination and evaluation is done by the doctor to determine if the nerves and spinal cord are under too much pressure. If your doctors suspects cervical spondylosis, he may then further advice certain tests to confirm the diagnosis.
1) Xray of cervical region( Neck): Xray will reveal if there is any development of bone spurs or any other abnormality.
2) MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging): It helps to confirm the diagnosis and also to judge the amount of neural damage.
3) EMG (Electromyelography): It is done to diagnose the cervical radiculopathy.
Conventional Treatment
Patients suffering from cervical spondylitis are given pain killers, NSAID (non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs), antispasmodic medicines. These medicines may give temporary relief for 6-10 hours. Overuse of these medicines may cause side effects on stomach, kidney, liver etc
Benefits of Homeopathic treatment at Imperial Homeopathy
We have seen long lasting/permanent substantial results in cervical spondylitis without any side effects. There is significant relief seen in pain and associated symptoms such as stiffness, weakness, tingling and numbness of hands etc and thus increases the mobility of joints.
It helps in slowing down the progression of disease and hence prevents further degeneration of vertebras and joints. In cases where disease process is in advanced stage, leading to destruction of the joints; homeopathy can offer excellent pain relief.
Patients who are on pain killers for long time can gradually reduce its intake after starting Homeopathic medicines. Some cases may require Homeopathy along with Physiotherapy for faster recovery. Reduction in weight is advisable to those who are overweight.
Duration of treatment
Patient may start experiencing initial pain relief within 1-3 weeks. Total time required for substantial result may vary from patient to patient. It depends upon the intensity and severity of the disease. Average duration can be 6-12 months
