What Is Cervical Spondylosis? A Complete Guide to Neck Arthritis

All of us have had a bad neck once or twice, either because we slept funny or looked too long at your phone. When that stiffness on the neck persists and begins to interfere with activities in life then it might be something known as cervical spondylosis.

In Singapore, many people are unaware they may be suffering from neck degeneration until they experience recurring neck pain or mobility issues.

Haven of heard of it? Do not be so unhappy about it, you are not the only one. And here we cut it down to easy terms so you understand what is going on, how to look out and very importantly how you can do something about it.

What is spinal disc disease of the neck?

The cervical spine is where your spine goes through your neck, and after a certain period of time the discs and joints there begin to break down, kind of like your most adored sneakers do.

This is literally very common particularly when we age. Even when people do not experience any pain, by the age of 60 most of them develop some form of spondylosis.

In fact, cervical spondylosis can exist for years without obvious signs until symptoms start to affect daily life.

What is the reason behind it?

A host of variables has joined into an effort to bring this condition about:

• Aging: That is the most important cause. We get old and the discs become drier and rigid.
• Bone spurs: The spine is occasionally strengthened by the body growing extra bone, but these spurs may squeeze on nerves and thus lead to difficulty.
• Unhealed wounds: That car accident or some sports injury you had several years back? It may reach you at this point.
• Repeated strain: Stress may also be caused by the work that requires prolonged sitting at the desk, heavy load, or constant gaze down at the screen.

If you’ve experienced back of neck pain, prolonged stiffness, or reduced range of motion, it may be time to consult a specialist in Singapore.

How does it feel like? (Symptoms)

Not everyone with this condition experiences symptoms. However when you do, you may find:

• A neck pain or stiffness, which is persistent, irritating.
• Back-starting headaches.
• A feeling of or a sound of grinding when you turn your neck.
• A general feeling of weakness or numbness in the shoulders, arms, or hands.
• Difficulty maintaining balance or having clumsiness in walking.

These are classic cervical spondylosis symptoms, and in some cases, it could lead to cervical radiculopathy or even cervical myelopathy, which affect the nerves and spinal cord respectively.

What are the ways of diagnosing it?

A decent physiotherapist or doctor will begin by examining the ability of your neck to move, examining the reflexes and symptoms of nerve problems.

When required, they can request X-rays, MRI, or CT scan to observe what is happening inside. In some cases, nerve tests are useful to determine precisely which nerves are under attack.

Modern clinics in Singapore now use advanced diagnostic tools to detect early stages of spinal issues and nerve compression.

Treatment usually includes

The encouraging news is that most people don’t need surgery. The primary concern is decreasing pain and moving you again with ease.

The treatment normally comprises:

• Physiotherapy: individual physical exercise programmes of stretching and strengthening muscles, manual therapy, postural adaptation. This is frequently the most practical starting point.
• Heat or Ice therapy: The humble thing that you might find works wonders.
• Behavior changes: Items such as correct posture, ergonomics of your workstation, and looking down.

Early cervical spondylosis treatment can ease discomfort and prevent the condition from progressing to more severe nerve-related issues.

In the more severe cases, surgery may be recommended especially where you may have compression of nerves or the spinal cord. That is the last resort.

Is it preventable?

You cannot prevent growing old but one thing is sure that you can save your neck to the most possible extent:

• Rotate your neck and shoulders when you stay seated long hours.
• Train your neck and upper back muscles.
• Sleep on a good pillows – do not sleep on huge size pillows pushing your head forwards.
• Never hold your cellphone to your shoulder.

Incorporating these daily habits can lower the risk of developing cervical spine degeneration and associated neck pain.

Still, why it matters to visit a physiotherapist

Individual physiotherapy program can be a difference maker. It does not merely cover the pain but treats the causes, restores mobility and ensures nothing gets worse.

Such programs, i.e. manual therapy, second guidance of exercises, ergonomic counselling are offered at clinics dedicated to these, such as Rapid Physiocare, a trusted provider in Singapore.

But when should the help be sought?

In case your neck pain is not improvement of it, and you experience weakness, numbness or difficulty walking, do not ignore it. The sooner you seek assistance, the higher are your possibilities not to have any problems in the future.

Ignoring cervical spondylosis symptoms may lead to longer-term complications like nerve compression or mobility loss.

Final thoughts

Cervical Spondylosis is a spinal condition over it you may have spondylosis of body part this condition. It may sound dreadful but you do not need to be under this condition. Through the appropriate therapy, modifications in lifestyle, and assistance of a good physiotherapy team, you will continue doing things you love without having to complain of neck pains to cripple you on regular basis.

Reclaim Your Pain-Free Life Today

If you’re living in Singapore and suspect early signs of back of neck pain, don’t wait until it becomes serious.

Reach out to Rapid Physiocare for expert assessment and personalized cervical spondylosis treatment.

Your recovery starts with one simple step book your consultation now.

Tags : Cervical Spondylosis, Neck Arthritis, Neck Pain, Neck Pain Treatment, Physiotherapy Singapore, Posture Correction, Singapore Physiotherapy