How to treat cervical spondylosis to relieve symptoms

Generally, the main treatments for relieving symptoms of cervical spondylosis include lifestyle adjustments, physical therapy, medication, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and surgical treatment. A detailed explanation is as follows:

1. Lifestyle Adjustments

Patients should avoid looking down at phones or computers for extended periods. It is recommended to get up and move the neck by performing actions such as looking up or turning the head every hour to relax the neck muscles. Choosing a pillow of appropriate height helps maintain the natural physiological curvature of the cervical spine and prevents excessive pressure caused by overly high or low pillows. Keeping the neck warm in daily life can prevent cold-induced muscle spasms and worsening pain. These adjustments help reduce the burden on the cervical spine and alleviate symptoms.

2. Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can improve blood circulation in the neck and relax muscles through specific methods. Commonly used techniques include cervical traction, heat application, and ultrasound therapy. Cervical traction can widen the intervertebral space and reduce pressure on nerve roots caused by intervertebral discs. Heat application promotes blood circulation in the neck and relieves muscle tension and stiffness. Ultrasound therapy deeply relaxes muscles, reduces inflammatory responses, and helps alleviate symptoms such as neck pain and stiffness.

3. Medication

If pain and inflammation are significant, patients may use medications as directed by a physician. For pain relief, ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, celecoxib capsules, or diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets may be used. If muscle spasms accompany the pain, eperisone hydrochloride tablets can be prescribed. These medications help reduce inflammation, relieve pain and muscle spasms, and improve discomfort caused by cervical spondylosis.

4. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

According to TCM theory, cervical spondylosis is related to blocked meridians and stagnant blood circulation. Treatment often involves using Chinese herbs that promote blood circulation, remove blood stasis, and relieve pain by unblocking meridians, such as Jingfukang granules, Shujin Huoxue tablets, and Huoxue Zhitong capsules. Acupuncture can stimulate neck acupoints such as Dazhui (GV14), Fengchi (GB20), and Tianzhu (BL10), regulating blood flow, relaxing neck muscles, and alleviating symptoms like pain and numbness. Massage and tuina therapy can also realign neck muscles, improve the position of cervical joints, and reduce discomfort.

5. Surgical Treatment

If conservative treatments are ineffective and symptoms severely affect daily life, such as numbness and weakness in the upper limbs or unsteady gait, surgical treatment may be considered. Common surgical procedures include anterior cervical discectomy with fusion and posterior cervical laminoplasty. Surgery can relieve pressure on nerves and the spinal cord caused by intervertebral discs or bone spurs, restoring the normal structure and function of the cervical spine and fundamentally alleviating symptoms.

In addition, patients should undergo regular follow-up examinations during treatment, with adjustments to the treatment plan based on symptom changes. Patients can also appropriately perform cervical health exercises during daily life to strengthen neck muscles, maintain cervical stability, and prevent symptom recurrence. If symptoms worsen during treatment, prompt medical attention should be sought.