I. Treatment Methods for Cervical Spondylosis
Currently, there are many methods for treating cervical spondylosis both domestically and internationally, which can be divided into two major categories: non-surgical treatments for cervical spondylosis and surgical treatments. In China, integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine approaches are often used to treat cervical spondylosis. Most patients can achieve good results through non-surgical treatments, with lower costs and less pain, making them very popular. Only a small number of cases where nerve, vessel, or spinal cord compression symptoms progressively worsen, or recur frequently, significantly affecting work and life, require surgical treatment. Non-surgical treatments include manual therapy, Chinese and Western medicine, neck collars, cervical pillows, cervical traction, local injections, physical therapy, acupuncture, and functional exercises; surgical treatments include posterior laminectomy decompression, anterior disc removal, intervertebral bone grafting, bone spur removal, and vertebral artery decompression. During treatment, the appropriate method should be chosen based on the patient's condition.
II. Non-Surgical Treatments for Cervical Spondylosis
Non-surgical treatments for cervical spondylosis are also known as integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine therapies. This is the most basic treatment method for cervical spondylosis. It includes cervical traction, physical therapy, manual massage, acupuncture, medication, neck collars, cervical braces, medical sports, and self-therapy. Non-surgical treatments can alleviate symptoms of cervical spondylosis, significantly improve conditions, and even lead to recovery. They are particularly beneficial for early-stage patients with cervical spondylosis. Additionally, non-surgical therapies can lay the groundwork for surgical treatments.
Since cervical spondylosis occurs on the basis of human degeneration accelerated by various additional factors, stopping, slowing down, or reversing this process requires a series of preventive and therapeutic measures. This is the most fundamental and effective measure for cervical spondylosis, making non-surgical treatments the basic therapy for this condition.
III. Indications for Non-Surgical Treatments for Cervical Spondylosis
(1) Herniated cervical disc;
(2) Radiculopathy, sympathetic-type, and vertebral artery-type cervical spondylosis;
(3) Early-stage myelopathy-type cervical spondylosis;
(4) Elderly individuals who are physically weak or have poor heart, liver, or kidney function and cannot tolerate surgery;
(5) Individuals with severe neurological dysfunction or mental disorders combined with cervical spondylosis;
(6) Cases where the diagnosis of cervical spondylosis is not fully confirmed and requires observation during treatment;
(7) Patients in the postoperative recovery period.
IV. Surgical Treatments for Cervical Spondylosis
1. Indications:
(1) Herniated cervical disc that has not been relieved or continues to worsen after non-surgical treatment, seriously affecting daily life and work.
(2) Cervical spondylosis with spinal cord involvement symptoms, showing partial or complete obstruction on myelography.
(3) Sudden neck trauma or acute limb spastic paralysis without obvious injury in cervical spondylosis patients.
(4) Multiple episodes of cervical vertigo, syncope, or collapse due to cervical spondylosis that remain ineffective after non-surgical treatment.
(5) Clear sympathetic nerve symptoms in cervical spondylosis patients that severely affect work despite non-surgical treatment.
(6) Bone spurs in front of the cervical vertebrae causing esophageal or recurrent laryngeal nerve compression symptoms.
2. Contraindications:
(1) Severe cardiovascular disease or poor liver and kidney function.
(2) Elderly individuals who are physically frail.
(3) Severe neuroticism.
(4) Mental illness.
Source: Cervical Spondylosis Treatment Network http://www.chinakry.com/jingzhuibingzhiliao.asp