Degenerative neck disease exercises
Cervical disk disease affects everyone to some degree, often without causing any bothersome symptoms. However, this condition can also lead to specific problems related to nerve functioning. For example, the outer edge of a disk may tear, allowing the gelatinous material inside to bulge outward (herniated disk). This can put pressure on nerves that exit the spine. Two adjacent vertebrae may rub together (sometimes resulting in bone spurs) that can also pinch these nerves. In other cases, the inner part of the disc may push on the spinal cord, which passes through the disk. Any of these situations can cause pain and limited movement. Cervical disk disease is a gradual process that occurs with aging, though poor posture, repeated lifting, and tobacco use can make it worse. Symptoms include pain when moving the neck and limited neck movement. The condition can also affect the hand, shoulder, and arm resulting in pain, numbness/tingling, and weakness. If the spinal cord itself is affected, these symptoms may occur in the legs. Loss of bowel or bladder control may also occur. After taking a medical history and conducting a physical examination, the doctor will recommend an imaging procedure to gather more information about the nature of the problem. This may include a CT scan, an MRI, or myelography. In addition, an electromyogram (EMG) may be used to evaluate the functioning of nerves in the arms, hands, or legs. Treatment usually involves physical therapy, several weeks of drug therapy with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and limited use of a cervical collar (to reduce neck movement). Neck traction and heat treatments may also be recommended. In some cases, steroids or anesthetic drugs may be injected into the spinal canal to help alleviate symptoms. Aside from these measures, maintaining good posture and placing a pillow under the neck and head during sleep can be helpful. Treatment may last anywhere from several weeks to three months or more. Neck surgery is not usually advised unless other therapies have failed. Acupuncture, therapeutic massage, and yoga are believed by some to have pain-relieving effects. However, any therapy that involves manipulating the neck is not recommended. While some degree of disk degeneration is inevitable, people can reduce their risk by practicing good posture (during sitting, standing, and lifting), performing neck-stretching exercises, maintaining an ideal weight, and quitting smoking. It is important to keep active, but do not over exert yourself. The balance between mild to moderate exercise and rest is necessary. It is usual for the discomfort to improve with time, although the stiffness may remain. Strong medical reassurance coupled with advice from a physical therapist about posture and improving physical fitness can sometime be helpful. Cervical collar or neck brace may be advisable to give rest and to ease pain. Regular gentle exercise for the neck will help the pain and stiffness to ease. Physical therapists will recommend the best exercise Gentle and slow stretching exercises are advocated. Swimming or hydrotherapy will help overcome the stiffness. To further relieve the pressure, the doctor may prescribe a cervical traction device. This device is attached to the patient head and pulls up on it using a pulley system and weights. It is usually applied a few times a day and can be used while sitting or lying in bed. Swimming is a relaxing and therapeutic exercise option. The ideal swim stroke would be the back stroke which would allow maintenance of a neutral cervical spine position.
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