Have you ever heard of terms like “straight neck” or “text neck”? These conditions occur when the posture of the neck deteriorates, causing the curvature of the cervical spine to disappear, which puts a strain on the surrounding muscles and the cervical spine itself.
If this condition progresses, you may develop “cervical spondylosis,” where in addition to neck pain, you feel numbness in your arms and hands. If the symptoms are mild, massage and muscle relaxation may suffice, but once cervical spondylosis develops, it is essential to address the root cause to avoid chronic symptoms. If you recognize these symptoms, please check the next section where we explain them in more detail.
Cervical spondylosis tends to cause severe pain during periods of poor blood circulation, such as upon waking or at the end of the day when your body is at peak fatigue. The surrounding muscles become tense, blood flow is reduced, and the ability to support the cervical spine itself is lost, resulting in intense pain.
As the condition progresses, you may not only experience pain but also nerve pain and numbness. (Those for whom patches or painkillers no longer work may experience these symptoms.)
At this stage, even while undergoing treatment, the condition can be unstable, and pain levels may fluctuate daily. It’s essential to remain calm and avoid exacerbating the situation by trying self-treatment out of impatience. When the pain arises, it’s important to stay composed.
You may have noticed that poor posture and prolonged use of smartphones or computers contribute to the onset of cervical spondylosis.
Poor posture and fixing your neck in one position for extended periods place undue stress on the joints.
Once cervical spondylosis develops, treatment must address the issue in three stages:
1. Reducing inflammation and swelling of the nerves
2. Improving blood circulation in the muscles
3. Improving and maintaining a balanced posture
It’s essential to focus on improving the condition of the trapezius muscle, which covers the entire cervical spine. Once properly addressed, you’ll be able to live more comfortably, so it’s important to act early.