What are the symptoms of cervical spondylosis compressing the nerves?

Cervical spondylosis compresses the nerves and can cause symptoms such as neck pain, arm numbness, and dizziness, which can affect daily life in severe cases. Treatments include medication, physical therapy, and surgery, which should be selected based on the condition.

1. Common symptoms of cervical spondylosis compressing nerves

When cervical spondylosis compresses the nerves, the main symptoms are neck pain and stiffness, which may radiate to the shoulders and arms. Patients often feel numbness and weakness in their arms, and even have difficulty moving their fingers. Some patients also experience symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, and blurred vision, which may affect walking balance in severe cases. These symptoms are related to the degree and location of nerve compression, and require prompt medical attention for a clear diagnosis.

2. Causes of Nerve Compression by Cervical Spondylosis

The causes of cervical spondylosis compressing nerves include long-term bad posture, cervical degenerative lesions, trauma, etc. Long-term use of mobile phones or computers with the head lowered will increase the load on the cervical spine and accelerate the degeneration of the intervertebral disc. With age, the water content of the cervical intervertebral disc decreases, and the elasticity decreases, which can easily compress the nerve roots. Neck trauma or chronic strain may also cause symptoms of nerve compression.

3. Treatment methods

Drug treatment: Commonly used drugs include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, muscle relaxants such as chlorzoxazone, and neurotrophic drugs such as methylcobalamin, which can relieve pain and nerve inflammation.

Physical therapy: cervical traction, hot compress, electrotherapy and other methods can relieve nerve compression and improve local blood circulation.

Surgical treatment: For patients with severe nerve compression or who do not respond to conservative treatment, surgical methods such as anterior cervical decompression and fusion, and posterior laminoplasty can be considered.

4. Daily care suggestions

Maintain a correct sitting posture and avoid lowering your head for long periods of time. Perform appropriate neck stretching exercises, such as slowly turning your neck back and forth. Choose a pillow of moderate height when sleeping to avoid your neck hanging in the air. Eat more foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, such as milk and fish, which are good for bone health.

Symptoms of cervical spondylosis compressing nerves vary, and early detection and treatment are crucial. Symptoms can be effectively relieved through medication, physical therapy, surgery, and other methods. Paying attention to posture adjustment and neck exercises in daily life can help prevent the condition from getting worse. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention in a timely manner to avoid delaying treatment.