Neck Pain Due to Cervical Spondylosis.

Learn how your computer can give you that unwanted “Pain in the Neck” caused by cervical spondylosis.  Though we love it and it gives many of us our bread and butter, we must  safe guard ourselves against certain health problems, the computer can cause you. Its those long hours in front of the computer and your ignorance which is at fault.

If  your posture is improper over a prolonged period, it can cause certain unwarranted changes  in  the  bones of the neck. ( the  cervical vertebrae,— which form the uppermost part of the vertebral column or the backbone) and give rise to cervical spondylosis resulting in Neck Pain, or Neck Pain and Shoulder Pain, or Neck Pain and Headache.

Bone Structure  of the Neck.

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Our other posts on Computer and Health.

1) Basic Info. 2) Eye Strain. 3) Cervical spondolysis 4) Carpal tunnel  syndrome. 5)Low back pain. 6) Mental stress. 7) Radiation.

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The cervical vertebrae are placed one above the other with a cartilage in between each of them. They are held in position  by the various neck muscles The cartilages between the vertebrae,  are flexible in nature and they prevent the vertebral bones from grinding against each other and also absorb shocks and  distribute  them. They also facilitate the various movements of  the  vertebral column like bending of the neck or the back. The various nerves supplying  the  neck, the shoulders and the hands exit from between the  various cervical vertebrae.

Now,  try and  understand in a very broad sense, the relevant structure of the above  explained part.

Causes of Cervical Spondylosis.

Due to tilting of the neck at one particular angle for a prolonged period regularly, the relevant muscles of the  neck  which hold the vertebrae in their position, get strained and subsequently weaken over time. They are unable to perform the task of holding the vertebrae in their normal position.

The two adjacent cervical  vertebrae  which are affected the most in that particular position, tend to come  closer and compress the intervening cartilage . When this goes on regularly for a prolonged period, the affected cartilage  gets worn out due to constant pressure, and the distance between the affected cervical bones gets reduced. These cervical bones come closer to each other and compress on the nerves coming out between them. This condition is called cervical spondylosis.

Symtoms of Cervical Spondylosis.

This compression of the nerves gives rise to symptoms which manifest depending on which vertebrae are affected and which nerves are compressed.

Thus, you may experience pain in the shoulder and neck, or tingling and numbness  in one or both the hands. You may also experience headache  and/or stiffness of the muscles of the neck and shoulder.

How You can  Prevent Cervical Spondylosis.

Two important steps to Prevent Cervical Spondylosis.

1} Proper Posture while using Computer.

Keep the monitor at eye level  so that the neck is at a comfortable and straight level. This allows the cervical vertebrae to remain in a neutral position and prevent the causes mentioned above. Check  the picture below  and observe that the monitor is at eye level and the neck is in a straight and neutral position.

2] Neck Pain Exercises.

Twice a day , say morning and evening , move your neck round and round  clockwise and then anticlockwise  about ten times each way. Do it gently. This will strengthen the neck muscles and prevent them from weakening  under strain. This has to be done everyday,  twice   without fail. There are no weekly offs for exercises AND NO RESIGNATIONS.

(By the way,  in fact, one should follow a regular regime of exercises  which exercise the whole body. And, do it for life ! See how you save on the medical bills— and stay healthy! Should’nt take more than twenty minutes of your time daily. But, that is for later. I shall also recommend a look at one of the reputed yoga sites,   which  will help you.)

Treatment of Cervical Spondylosis.

I will not go into details of this as, if the need arises you must visit your orthopedic doctor. Suffice to say here though, that treatment consists of the following as per the requirement:

1]   Cervical collar, anti inflammatory pain killers and muscle relaxants.

2]   Cervical traction. (Nowadays not recommended much)

3]   Physiotherapy

4]  Surgical  intervention in extreme cases.

Previous: Eye problems caused by Computer use.

Next: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome caused by Computer Use.

 

Related posts:

1. Low Back Pain caused by Computer Use
2. How to Prevent Eye Problems Caused by Computer