What medications are used to treat cervical spondylosis?
Disease description:
I have been feeling stiffness and pain in my neck recently, and sometimes I also experience dizziness and numbness in my arms. After visiting the hospital, I was diagnosed with cervical spondylosis. I would like to know what medications are available for treating cervical spondylosis, aside from physical therapy?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Jian
Cervical spondylosis is a common condition primarily affecting the intervertebral discs and vertebrae in the neck. The following are commonly used classifications of medications and representative drugs for treatment:
1. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): such as ibuprofen capsules, aspirin capsules, naproxen tablets, etc., mainly used to relieve pain and inflammation caused by cervical spondylosis. These drugs work by inhibiting enzymes that produce inflammatory substances in the body, thereby reducing pain and swelling.
2. Muscle relaxants: such as eperisone hydrochloride and chlorzoxazone, which can relieve tension and spasms of neck muscles, thus alleviating pain and discomfort.
3. Neurotrophic agents: for cervical spondylosis of the nerve root type, neurotrophic drugs such as vitamin B12 and mecobalamin help repair damaged nerves and promote recovery of nerve function.
4. Vasodilators: such as dibazol and monnidipine, these drugs can dilate blood vessels, improve blood circulation in the neck, and thereby relieve symptoms such as dizziness and headache caused by insufficient blood supply.
5. Analgesics: for moderate to severe pain, stronger analgesics such as tramadol or opioid drugs may be recommended.
6. Topical medications: including topical pain-relieving plasters, gels, or sprays containing nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory ingredients such as indomethacin and ketoprofen, which can act directly on the painful area to reduce local inflammation and pain.
Medication therapy is only part of the treatment for cervical spondylosis. Other treatment methods include physical therapy, rehabilitation exercises, proper posture guidance, and, when necessary, surgical treatment.
