Is massage therapy effective for cervical spondylosis?
Jan 25, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
The effectiveness of massage therapy for cervical spondylosis depends on the severity of the condition. For mild to moderate cases, massage therapy can often produce certain therapeutic effects, improving blood circulation and relieving associated symptoms. However, for severe cervical spondylosis, the effectiveness of massage therapy may be limited. In such cases, massage might increase the risk of spinal cord injury and be detrimental to condition management.
Generally speaking, whether massage therapy is effective for cervical spondylosis mainly depends on the severity of the condition. For mild to moderate cervical spondylosis, massage therapy usually has some beneficial effects. However, for severe cervical spondylosis, the effectiveness of massage therapy may be limited. If discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:
If the cervical spondylosis is mild to moderate in severity, massage therapy usually can achieve certain therapeutic effects. Massage mainly works by stimulating specific acupoints, which can improve local blood circulation, increase oxygen and nutrient supply, reduce inflammatory responses, and help alleviate symptoms such as neck pain, numbness, and stiffness caused by cervical spondylosis.
However, for severe cervical spondylosis, such as myelopathic cervical spondylosis or vertebral artery type cervical spondylosis, the effectiveness of massage therapy is relatively limited. In such cases, inappropriate massage therapy might worsen spinal cord compression and increase the risk of spinal cord injury. Medical guidance should be followed for possible surgical treatments, such as anterior approach surgery, posterior approach surgery, or combined anterior-posterior approach surgery.
It is recommended to first understand your own condition and then choose an appropriate treatment method. Additionally, maintaining good sitting and sleeping postures during cervical spondylosis treatment is important to avoid cervical compression.
