What are the prevention and treatment methods for cervical spondylosis?

In general, cervical spondylosis is preventable and treatable, with the key lying in reducing cervical spine load, relieving nerve compression, and enhancing local stability. Common approaches include reshaping daily habits, standardized physical rehabilitation, rational medication use, comprehensive TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) regulation, and precise surgical decompression. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Reshape Daily Habits

Raise your head and gently rotate your neck every 30 minutes; position computer screens at eye level; choose a pillow about the height of a fist, with moderate firmness; incorporate head-up activities such as swimming and badminton into your weekly routine.

2. Standardized Physical Rehabilitation

Apply a warm towel at around 50°C to the neck for 15 minutes to relieve muscle spasms; traction, ultrashort wave therapy, and infrared radiation should be performed under prescription at a hospital rehabilitation department; isometric contraction exercises can activate deep muscle groups and improve stability.

3. Rational Medication Use

For significant pain, short-term oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be used; add muscle relaxants if muscle spasms are present; combine with mecobalamin when neurological symptoms are prominent; topical flurbiprofen gel can reduce the need for oral medications. All medications must be taken under medical guidance—do not increase dosage without consultation.

4. Comprehensive TCM Regulation

Acupuncture along meridians at points such as Fengchi (GB20) and Jianjing (GB21), combined with mild moxibustion at Dazhui (GV14); avoid forceful manipulation during massage therapy; use Guizhi (Cinnamon Twig), Honghua (Safflower) for steam therapy or take Jingfukang granules orally to promote blood circulation and unblock meridians. Always seek treatment from a qualified TCM hospital.

5. Surgical Precision Decompression

Patients with persistent numbness, declining muscle strength, or failure of conservative treatments may consider anterior decompression and fusion, posterior laminoplasty, artificial disc replacement, or minimally invasive endoscopic surgery. Postoperative care includes wearing a cervical collar and undergoing systematic rehabilitation.

If pain radiates to the arms or is accompanied by gait instability, seek immediate medical attention—avoid blind massage or long-term reliance on painkillers.