| Disease |
CERVICAL SPONDYLOSIS |
| |
|
| Quotation |
“The pain in the neck you complain about may be the result of looking backward.”
|
| |
|
| Definition |
Chronic degenerative changes in the Cervical vertebrae and discs leading to herniation of disc material, calcification, and osteophyte formation.
|
| |
|
| Prognosis |
In the great majority of cases the course is benign, but there are exacerbations through the patient’s life with no known precipitating cause in most cases.
|
| |
|
| General Measures |
Wearing a cervical collar (Velcro-fixed) that would limit hyperextension or hyperflexion
|
| |
|
| Advice to Patient |
Not to engage in activity causing neck strain like-doing house work sitting on the floor, long distance travel y bus or car with flexed forward, moving around carrying a heavy weight improperly distributed between the two hands.
Avoid neck extension in all situations.
Change of occupation if straining the neck is unavoidable.
|
| |
|
| Follow Up |
Every month to assess any possible neurologic deficit developing
|
| |
|
| Inadequate Response |
Refer to Orthopaedic specialist, or Neurosurgeon if there is neurologic deficit, or to rule out any other disease in the spine or cord. (Plain x-ray changes may be incidental) |
| |
|
| Prevention |
Advise on proper posturing to youth, and avoidance of weight bearing on the head.
|
| |
|
| Reference From |
www.emedicine.com?NEURO/topic564.html |
