Cervical spondylosis is form of arthritis that leads to the degeneration of the joints in your neck. Severe cervical spondylosis can cause significant pain and restrictions in motion. If you have cervical spondylosis, your physician will likely refer you to a physical therapist who will design a comprehensive rehabilitation program to help alleviate your symptoms.
Understanding Cervical Spondylosis
Spondylosis is a broad term that physicians use to describe degeneration of the joints in your spine. The diagnosis is an umbrella term, and there are often differing contributors to neck pain. According to Spine-health.com, the most common causes of cervical spondylosis include degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis or osteoarthritis of the facet joints. Understanding the type of degeneration is critical as this will impact the course of treatment and type of palliative exercises prescribed by your physical therapist.
Purpose of Exercises
Cervical spondylosis can cause physical impairment ncluding pain, weakness, muscle stiffness and decreased range of motion. Physical therapy can improve many of the symptoms you may be experiencing. In addition to education and passive treatments, your physical therapist will prescribe exercises as part of a comprehensive treatment program. According to Spine Universe, physical therapy exercises can help decrease pain, improve mobility and increase the strength of spinal musculature.
Importance of Seeking a Qualified Expert
Although cervical spondylosis is a common pathology, severe cases can cause significant side effects. In a small number of people, cervical spondylosis can cause spinal nerve compression resulting in long term disability. Consult a physician if you have any symptoms of cervical spondylosis or have been previously diagnosed. Your physician will refer you to a qualified physical therapist who will determine the appropriate exercises for your neck. Performing exercises not prescribed by a specialist can worsen symptoms and may even cause permanent damage to your spine.
Types of Exercises
Your physical therapist will prescribe exercises after performing a thorough examination. Range of motion exercises will be prescribed to help improve mobility of the joints within the cervical spine. Flexibility exercises will be prescribed to help loosen muscles that have become shortened or tight due to muscle guarding and generalized stiffness. Lastly, exercises will be prescribed to help increase the the strength of your spinal musculature in an effort to provide more support to the spine. Your therapist will also likely recommend engaging in low impact aerobic exercise to promote general health and well being.
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