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Suggest Treatment For Mild Lower Back Pain Caused By Cervical Spondylosis
Question: Dear Doctor,
I have been having back pain ( mid-back and lower back ) for about 1.5 years now. I have pain in the shoulder blades as well. The pain increases if I sit for a long time and my job requires me to sit for about 8 hours a day. I feel sleepy sometimes ( not sure if this is related ). In August 2016, a spine x-ray was done and below are the findings. I want to understand what this means. What care should I take to lead a healthy life ?
"There is a broad apex kyphosis centered over the mid and upper cervical
spine accompanied by mild degenerative disc disease with small osteophyte
formation extending from C3 through C5 although disc interspaces are well
maintained in height. There is slight anterolisthesis of C2 on 3 and
retrolisthesis of C3 on 4 and C4 on C5. There is no prevertebral soft
tissue swelling or evidence of pathologic subluxation"
I have been having back pain ( mid-back and lower back ) for about 1.5 years now. I have pain in the shoulder blades as well. The pain increases if I sit for a long time and my job requires me to sit for about 8 hours a day. I feel sleepy sometimes ( not sure if this is related ). In August 2016, a spine x-ray was done and below are the findings. I want to understand what this means. What care should I take to lead a healthy life ?
"There is a broad apex kyphosis centered over the mid and upper cervical
spine accompanied by mild degenerative disc disease with small osteophyte
formation extending from C3 through C5 although disc interspaces are well
maintained in height. There is slight anterolisthesis of C2 on 3 and
retrolisthesis of C3 on 4 and C4 on C5. There is no prevertebral soft
tissue swelling or evidence of pathologic subluxation"
Brief Answer:
Cervical Spondylosis.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
The description you have given above goes with Cervical Spondylosis.
You have features of Disc Prolapse at C2-C6 levels with kyphosis of spine.
Treatment includes
1. Use of cervical collar helps in immobilisation and brings relief.
2. Medical drugs like pain killers - acetaminophen/ibuprofen and muscle relaxants might be helpful.
3. Methylcobalamin supplements are also recommended for nerve compression symptoms.
4. Cervical isometric exercises are beneficial to maintain the strength of the neck muscles. Neck and upper back stretching exercises, as well as light aerobic activities, also are recommended under the guidance of a physical therapist.
5. Hot fomentation helps in relieving acute symptoms.
6. You can avoid using a pillow/ watching TV or working on computer.
Avoid prolonged sitting / leaning forward/ 2 wheeler driving for long distances.
A course of Muscle relaxants, interferential therapy (IFT) and/or Intermittent Cervical Traction (ICT) for a week followed by exercises will help you.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Cervical Spondylosis.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
The description you have given above goes with Cervical Spondylosis.
You have features of Disc Prolapse at C2-C6 levels with kyphosis of spine.
Treatment includes
1. Use of cervical collar helps in immobilisation and brings relief.
2. Medical drugs like pain killers - acetaminophen/ibuprofen and muscle relaxants might be helpful.
3. Methylcobalamin supplements are also recommended for nerve compression symptoms.
4. Cervical isometric exercises are beneficial to maintain the strength of the neck muscles. Neck and upper back stretching exercises, as well as light aerobic activities, also are recommended under the guidance of a physical therapist.
5. Hot fomentation helps in relieving acute symptoms.
6. You can avoid using a pillow/ watching TV or working on computer.
Avoid prolonged sitting / leaning forward/ 2 wheeler driving for long distances.
A course of Muscle relaxants, interferential therapy (IFT) and/or Intermittent Cervical Traction (ICT) for a week followed by exercises will help you.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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