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Understanding Cervical Spondylosis
Cervical discs are crucial components of your neck’s anatomy, acting as cushions between the vertebrae and allowing your neck to move smoothly. Factors like age, injury, and poor posture can lead to disorders such as cervical spondylosis, a condition caused by the wear and tear of these discs.
Cervical spondylosis, commonly referred to as cervical osteoarthritis, involves the degeneration of the cervical discs and adjacent vertebrae. It’s often caused by chronic wear on the cervical spine, which can be accelerated by factors such as:
- Poor Posture: Habitual neck postures from bending, lifting, or twisting can exacerbate stress on cervical discs.
- Aging: As you age, discs dehydrate and shrink, reducing cushioning between vertebrae and increasing the risk of herniation.
- Previous Neck Injuries: Accidents or trauma can precipitate early cervical disc degeneration.
Over time, the spine structure may change, and the cervical discs may deteriorate. In addition, if cervical spine issues are left untreated, a calcified spine may form, causing bone spurs and increasing the risk of a herniated disc.
Degrees of Severity in Cervical Spondylosis
Cervical spondylosis can vary widely in severity, affecting each patient differently based on the extent of disc degeneration and the level of spine involvement. The severity of cervical spondylosis can be classified into three categories, which helps in determining the most appropriate treatment approach:
Mild Cervical Spondylosis
- Symptoms: Patients may experience occasional neck pain and stiffness, which might not significantly impact daily activities.
- Treatment: The focus is typically on non-surgical treatment, including physical therapy, pain relief medications, and lifestyle modifications such as ergonomic adjustments at work and home.
Moderate Cervical Spondylosis
- Symptoms: Increased discomfort with nerve involvement leading to numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or hands. Pain may also begin to radiate from the neck into the shoulders.
- Treatment: In addition to conservative therapies, interventions such as corticosteroid injections or more intensive physical therapy may be required. Patients are monitored closely for any worsening signs that might need surgical consideration to fix the cervical disc issue.
Severe Cervical Spondylosis
- Symptoms: Marked by significant spinal cord compression, this stage is more serious and can result in substantial pain and stiffness. Patients may experience limitations in mobility, balance disorders, and more profound neurological effects.
- Treatment: Surgical treatments may become necessary to relieve spinal cord or nerve root compression. Options include cervical decompression surgery, which can involve the removal of bone spurs, herniated cervical discs, or both to alleviate pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
Comprehensive Evaluation and Treatment
At Vejthani Hospital, understanding the degree of severity of cervical spondylosis is crucial to our treatment approach. Each patient undergoes a comprehensive evaluation that includes detailed imaging studies, such as MRI or CT scans, to accurately assess the extent of spinal degeneration and the impact on nerves and the spinal cord. Based on this assessment, our multidisciplinary team of spine specialists, physical therapists, and pain management experts collaborate to develop a treatment plan to reduce symptoms, improve function, and enhance quality of life.
Identifying cervical disc issues such as spondylosis in its earlier stages can significantly influence the treatment outcome. Early diagnosis allows for implementing preventive measures and less invasive treatments, which can effectively slow the progression of the condition and alleviate symptoms before they become severe.
Treatment Options at Vejthani Hospital
We offer a spectrum of treatment options tailored to the severity of the condition and the patient’s specific needs. Conservative treatments for mild cases may include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and pain management strategies to alleviate symptoms and improve mobility.
For patients experiencing significant symptoms or those who have not responded to conservative treatments, minimally invasive surgery may be recommended
The minimally invasive techniques recommended for cervical spondylosis are as follows:
Microdiscectomy
Microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that removes the portion of a herniated cervical disc pressing on spinal nerves through a small incision, typically under an inch long. Using a surgical microscope, the procedure offers enhanced precision, allowing the surgeon to navigate delicate structures while minimizing damage to surrounding muscles and tissues. This approach helps preserve spinal stability and typically results in less postoperative pain, a shorter hospital stay, and faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery. It is often recommended for patients who experience persistent nerve pain, numbness, or weakness that does not improve with conservative treatments.
Endoscopic Discectomy
Endoscopic discectomy is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to treat herniated cervical discs by removing the damaged portion that compresses spinal nerves. The procedure is performed through a small incision using a thin, flexible tube equipped with a camera (endoscope), which provides real-time visualization of the affected area. This allows for precise targeting of the herniated tissue while preserving surrounding structures. Compared to traditional surgery, endoscopic discectomy results in significantly less tissue disruption, reduced postoperative pain, minimal scarring, and a quicker return to everyday life making it a preferred option for patients seeking faster recovery with less downtime.
Cervical Disc Replacement
Cervical disc replacement is an advanced surgical procedure used to treat damaged or degenerated discs in the neck by replacing them with a specially designed artificial disc implant. Unlike traditional spinal fusion, which limits movement by permanently joining two vertebrae, disc replacement maintains the natural motion and flexibility of the cervical spine. The artificial disc is engineered to mimic the function of a healthy disc—absorbing shock and allowing for normal neck movement—while also reducing the risk of stress on adjacent discs. This approach is ideal for suitable candidates seeking pain relief with a quicker recovery and better long-term mobility.
Choose Vejthani Hospital for Your Cervica Spondylosis Treatment
Spine Center at Vejthani Hospital is staffed by top-tier specialists skilled in diagnosing and treating complex cervical disc issues. We utilize the latest diagnostic tools and surgical technologies to ensure precise treatments with optimal outcomes.
For more information, please contact
Spine Center, Vejthani Hospital
Call: (+66)2-734-0000 Ext. 5500
English Hotline: (+66)85-223-8888
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