Cervical Spondylosis is the most common disorder of the cervical spine. It is caused by degenerative changes in the vertebrae and intervertebral discs that occur as a result of ageing or due to injury or rheumatoid disease. In addition to age and possibly sex. Several risk factors have been proposed for cervical spondylosis. Theses are repeated occupational trauma (e.g., carrying axial loads, professional dancing, and gymnastics). Familial cases have been reported. A genetic cause is also possible. Smoking also may be a risk factor. Conditions that contribute to segmental instability and excessive segmental motion (e.g., congenitally fused spine, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome) may be risk factors for spondylotic disease. Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) may be responsible for functional declines in patients with athletic cerebral palsy. In advanced disease this may lead to cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) which results from compression of the spinal cord. CSM is probably the most common spinal cord disorder in people over 55 years of age in the world. As the number of elderly people increases, the incidence of CSM will probably also increase. Cervical spondylosis appears to be primarily a disease of ageing. Characteristic changes on spinal x-rays are present in the majority of people aged over 70 years. A number of factors are responsible for the development of the signs and symptoms of cervical spondylosis. Osteophytes (bony growths) , A narrowed spinal canal present since birth , Degeneration of the intervertebral discs , Changes in the spinal cord and nerves due to insufficient blood supply are some of the common causes. MRI is recommended to assess the extent of the spondylosis and to help exclude other possible causes for the symptoms. A CT scan may also be useful as it gives better visualization of the bony structures. There is no universally accepted treatment for the management of cervical spondylosis. Studies show that up to 20% of patients with CSM will improve spontaneously, 40% will stabilize and up to 40% will deteriorate without treatment. In patients with mild symptoms, a variety of nonsurgical strategies may be used. The most common of these is cervical immobilization. Anti-inflammatory medications help relieve pain and swelling. Postural training and workplace modifications to reduce neck strain may be helpful. Other treatments commonly tried include massage, heat, and cold fomentation. If symptoms are severe, such as uncontrollable pain, or progressive worsening of symptoms, surgical intervention is usually recommended. Spondylotic changes are often observed in the ageing population. However, only a small percentage of patients with radiographic evidence of cervical spondylosis are symptomatic. Treatment is usually conservative in nature; the most commonly used treatments are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical modalities, and lifestyle modifications. Many of the treatment modalities for cervical spondylosis have not been subjected to rigorous, controlled trials. Surgery is advocated for cervical radiculopathy in patients who have intractable pain, progressive symptoms, or weakness that fails to improve with conservative therapy. Surgical indications for CSM remain somewhat controversial, but most clinicians recommend operative therapy over conservative therapy for moderate-to-severe myelopathy.

Role of Homeopathy in Cervical Spondylosis:
Homeopathic treatment is best suitable for the management of cervical spondylosis. Homeopathic remedies give prompt relief in pain and improve movement. Even though the remedies can not bring improvement in degenerative changes in cervical vertebrae and joints which show degeneration or nerve compression but patient experiences significant relief in pain and flexibility of movement. The x – rays may continue to show nerve root compression and degenerative changes but patient experiences far better relief in pain and he is able to have very comfortable movements. Besides long term use of NSAIDS causes other side effects in the body which are not seen with homeopathy. In the management of cervical spondylosis use of constitutional homeopathic approach with use of acute homeopathic remedies whenever found necessary and yoga is the best combination which has proved effective clinically in hundreds of cases.


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