Can sit-ups treat cervical spondylosis?
Disease description:
I've recently had a flare-up of my cervical spondylosis, and I'm experiencing dizziness, nausea, and a strong feeling of discomfort. A friend mentioned that sit-ups might help relieve the symptoms, but I'm hesitant to try them for fear of worsening my condition. Can sit-ups treat cervical spondylosis?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Xu Ge
Sit-ups cannot treat cervical spondylosis. Patients with cervical spondylosis often have cervical disc herniation or neck muscle strain. During sit-ups, the common practice of using both hands to support the head while bending it toward the chest may alter the physiological curvature of the cervical spine, potentially worsening disc herniation or muscle strain. When cervical disc herniation is severe, it can compress and irritate nerve roots or the spinal cord, leading to serious symptoms. Instead, patients with cervical spondylosis can gently rotate their neck daily, which helps strengthen neck and shoulder muscles, improve cervical spine stability, and prevent further progression of the condition.
