Treating Cervical Spondylitis

Once a patient exhibits symptoms of cervical spondylitis, the physician usually asks for X-rays and an MRI of the cervical spine. The existence of the cervical spondylitic condition can be clearly seen on a MRI.

Once the diagnosis of cervical spondylitis is made, the next step is to start the treatment procedure. There is no total cure for cervical spondylitis in conventional medicine yet. There are however different drugs and devices that can help control it.

When in the initial stage, a good way to protect the cervical spine from further damage and degeneration is to wear a cervical collar. A cervical collar helps to keep the neck straight and provides support to the muscles in the region.

There are two kinds of collars:

• Soft collar
• Hard collar

As the name suggests, the soft collar is made of soft elastic fabric that forms a collar around the neck. It is held together by a Velcro strap, and has air holes for comfort. If in the initial stages, a patient can wear a soft collar.

In case the cervical spondylitis is more pronounced, the patient must wear a hard collar. This is same in structure and shape as the soft collar, the only difference being the presence of a harder core lining along the length of the collar.

Traction therapy

A patient can also opt for traction therapy of the neck, if the pain is more severe. Besides these devices and treatment options, there are medications available as well.

Comonly prescribed medications are usually NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) or muscle relaxants. A common NSAID is Ibuprofen, while cyclobenzaprine is a common muscle relaxant.

However, it is not advisable to just take the medication without any other alternative therapeutic measures, as the medicine can cause other side effects in the long run, and there is also the possibility of the body's immune system getting used to the medication.

Surgical intervention

If the cervical condition is detected to be in a severe state (usually this is determined by studying the MRI), the final option is surgery. The surgical option is not, however, curative.

Surgery cannot undo the damage that has already been done to the nerves. It can only prevent further damage. Therefore surgery is always kept as the final option, in cases where the cervical spondylitis has been detected at a very late stage.

Along with using devices like the cervical collar, it is advisable for the patient to perform specific exercises directed at the neck muscles. Another option that usually produces positive results in physiotherapy. Usually, the treatment of cervical spondylitis consists of a combination of these three options - usage of a collar, physiotherapy, and medication.

Alternative medicine can help cervical spondylitis

Nowadays, the West is increasingly turning to ancient alternative healing systems, such as ayurveda, and yoga, in their search for cures. All these three fields have a high degree of success, and virtually no side effects.

Ayurvedic remedies usually are derived from herbs, while yoga is nothing but a set of highly effective physiotherapic exercises that have a holistic impact on the body. While these may not cure cervical spondylitis, they help in minimizing the damage to the cervical spine and the neck and making it stronger, so that the pain is drastically reduced.