Cervical osteoarthritis is a condition that limits a patient’s range of motion and other physical abilities.
It is also known as cervical spondylosis.
As we age, joints deteriorate and muscles lose strength, resulting in difficulty moving and functioning.
Cervical osteoarthritis can be particularly hard on people who suffer from other limiting medical conditions.
This article will discuss cervical osteoarthritis, its common treatments and the new hope offered by PEMF Therapy.
Studies have shown that PEMF Therapy has the ability to increase the range of motion in patients who suffer from this condition.
What is Cervical Osteoarthritis?
Cervical osteoarthritis is a condition that limits the range of motion in the joints, discs, and bones in the neck.
While cervical osteoarthritis can present at any age, it is a condition that is most common in patients over the age of 65.
While stiffness and loss of motion are normal effects of aging, cervical osteoarthritis is a more severe condition that can present major difficulties.
With aging, discs in the neck tend to become weaker, often stiffening and losing fluid.
This breakdown of the bone structure of the neck can cause great difficulty moving the head from side to side, or up and down.
In addition, some patients experience abnormal growth in the bones of the neck.
These additional growths are called osteophytes. Osteophytes can put pressure on the spinal column.
This causes the canal located within the spinal column to decrease in size, resulting in a condition called spinal stenosis.
Risk Factors
As stated earlier, the greatest risk factor for developing cervical osteoarthritis is simple aging.
It is rarely seen in individuals under the age of 50.
Aging causes the vertebrae in the neck to lose their “spongy” characteristics.
This deprives areas of the neck of the cushion needed for a full range of motion.
As bones and ligaments in this area of the body become thicker they have a tendency to impede the functioning of the spinal canal area.
In addition to aging, cervical osteoarthritis can be a result of injury to the back or surrounding area.
People who engage in highly physical forms of employment are also at greater risk for developing cervical osteoarthritis.
The same is true for gymnasts and other athletes who engage in a vigorous physical activity.
Habits and general lifestyle can also be a contributing factor to cervical osteoarthritis.
Lack of exercise and poor posture are examples of habits that can lead to cervical osteoarthritis.
Main Symptoms
The symptoms of cervical osteoarthritis tend to be at their worst upon rising in the morning.
Symptoms improve as the day progresses.
Some of the most common are:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- A headache that begins at the neck and spreads upward
- Lack of range of motion in turning the head
- The inability to move the neck either forwards or backward
- The presence of a grinding sensation when the neck is turned
The above symptoms are representative of the more common form of osteoarthritis.
However, more severe forms of the disease can put pressure on the spinal cord.
This condition is known as cervical myelopathy and can result in more severe symptoms.
The primary symptoms of cervical myelopathy are:
- Weakness, tingling, and numbness in the hands, arms, legs or feet
- Lack of coordination and difficulty in walking
- Muscle spasms
- Incontinence
- Abnormal reflexes
Conventional Treatment
Traditional treatments for cervical osteoarthritis are generally non-invasive.
At the same time, they are often not very effective.
A typical therapy regime may consist of wearing a cervical collar, chiropractic therapy sessions or exercise.
Other typical treatments include anti-inflammatory drugs and heat and cold therapy.
In severe cases of cervical osteoarthritis, surgery may be warranted.
None of these traditional treatments has proven itself to be highly effective.
Fortunately, studies have demonstrated a positive connection between PEMF Therapy and cervical osteoarthritis.
This new therapy has shown to produce very positive effects for those suffering from this condition.
PEMF Therapy and Cervical Osteoarthritis
The decrease in natural cushioning caused by cervical osteoarthritis results in the discs of the neck rubbing together.
This produces many unpleasant symptoms, among them, decreased the range of motion and pain.
The decrease in cushioning is a result of the lack of hydration to the area of the neck.
When cervical osteoarthritis is present, the body cannot adequately hydrate and lubricate these discs of the neck on its own.
This is due to a lack of blood supply to the neck area.
PEMF Therapy has the ability to increase blood flow to the neck, allowing the body to rehydrate and lubricate the discs naturally.
By increasing the body’s ability to heal itself, PEMF Therapy can produce many positive effects.
Some of the main effects are:
- Reduction in inflammation and pain
- Reduction in nerve pain
- Increased relaxation in the muscles
- Reduced swelling in the neck area
- Stimulation of RNA, resulting in a boost to the immune system, which promotes healing of the body
- Reduction of muscle spasms
- Increased regeneration of nerve cells
A recent study conducted in Ankara, Turkey demonstrated some of the positive effects that PEMF Therapy has on cervical osteoarthritis.
Held at the Ankara Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Education and Research Hospital, the study had many positive controls.
It was randomized, placebo-controlled and double-blind.
After splitting participants into two groups, one group received PEMF Therapy.
The second group received a placebo treatment.
Upon completion of the study, the placebo group reported no change in their condition.
By contrast, the group that had received PEMF Therapy stated that they had experienced less pain as a result of the treatment.
In conclusion, PEMF Therapy offers hope to those who suffer from the debilitating effects of cervical osteoarthritis.
Unlike traditional treatments, which tend to be mostly ineffective, PEMF Therapy has been shown by studies to reduce symptoms.
It has the additional benefit of being non-invasive and having no negative impact on patient well-being.
By increasing blood flow to the neck PEMF Therapy promotes healing in the body.
For anyone suffering from cervical osteoarthritis, PEMF Therapy is an excellent option for treatment.
