Are you familiar with the discomfort of cervical spondylosis?
The burden of a heavy head, persistent neck tension, occasional headaches, and disorienting dizziness can disrupt your daily life.
While it’s often said that cervical spondylosis cannot be completely cured, it’s important to realize that there are natural ways to alleviate its symptoms and improve your quality of life, free from pain and discomfort.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what cervical spondylosis is, who is at risk, its symptoms, and various treatment options, including natural remedies and supplements to help you manage this condition effectively.
Contents
Explore natural remedies for cervical spondylosis symptoms. Enhance your quality of life with proven relief methods.
What is cervical spondylosis?
Cervical spondylosis is the medical name for osteoarthritis of the neck.
It is normal to wear and tear of the spinal discs of the neck often related to age.
Spinal discs absorb shock between the vertebrae.
They help with movement and keep the neck flexible.
At birth, they are approximately 80% water.
As we age, the water is less present and the discs begin to dehydrate.
Thus, they lose their effectiveness and absorb less shock.
As dehydration leads to thinning of the discs, the first signs of osteoarthritis appear.
Bone spurs or osteophytes form on the edge of the vertebrae.
This process is known as cervical spondylosis, a degeneration of the spinal discs.
Risk factors for cervical spondylosis
Cervical spondylosis is a very common condition that gets worse with age.
It more or less affects people around 60 years old even if they don’t feel any pain.
Its process is slow; it evolves over years, even decades, before declaring symptoms.
Fortunately, most of those affected do not have them.
Who are at risk for cervical spondylosis?
Apart from aging, the causes are often linked to professional activity.
Repeated neck movements, unsuitable posture, or heavy work put a lot of pressure on the neck.
And the faster the wear, the earlier symptoms appear.
Cervical injuries also increase the risk of cervical spondylosis.
If any members of your family have this condition, it indicates a genetic predisposition.
Finally, smokers are at risk because tobacco smoke also affects the spine and increases the likelihood of osteoporosis and degenerative diseases.
Recognizing symptoms of cervical spondylosis
When symptoms do occur, they are fairly mild, resulting in pain and stiffness in the neck.
Other ailments like headache and dizziness may be linked to osteoarthritis if there is a great strain on the soft tissues.
Cervical disc herniation
Age also affects the strength and structure of the vertebral discs.
They are made up of two parts: the nucleus pulposus, a gelatinous substance found in their heart, and the annulus fibrosus, the cartilage that forms their external part.
With osteoarthritis, cracks occur and a herniated disc occurs.
A bulge forms and eventually puts pressure on the spinal cord and roots of the inflamed nerve(s).
Cervical disc herniation usually results in a pinched nerve triggering pain in the shoulder, arm, and hand.
This radiating pain is called radiculopathy.
It often causes numbness and tingling in the arms and hands.
Over time, marked muscle weakness can also develop if the nerve is damaged.
Non-surgical treatment for cervical spondylosis
As in any disease, it is best to treat cervical spondylosis at the first symptoms for better management.
In most cases, the traditional treatments are:
- chiropractic
- spinal decompression therapy
- physical therapy
A lot of relief is often obtained with these methods.
Of course, pain management is provided by anti-inflammatory drugs and injections.
Surgery is only considered when osteoarthritis is severe.
Natural remedies for cervical spondylosis relief
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Epsom salt bath
Epsom salt bath relieves symptoms of cervical spondylosis.
It contains magnesium which regulates blood pH and helps soothe pain, inflammation, and stiffness.
To enjoy its benefits, pour two cups into your hot tub.
An action time of about 15 to 20 minutes is necessary to feel a healthy relaxation.
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Garlic supplements
Garlic has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that help relieve neck and shoulder pain.
You can take 2 capsules of odorless garlic like this (ad), in the morning on an empty stomach.
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Curcumin (Turmeric)
Curcumin is a powerful anti-inflammatory drug of great value for treating cervical spondylosis.
It relieves pain and reduces muscle stiffness while improving blood circulation.
You can drink a glass of warm milk with a teaspoon of turmeric.
You can also get a turmeric supplement (ad) for better assimilation.
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Ginger for pain relief
Ginger has the ability to increase blood circulation to soothe pain and stiffness.
Drink two to three cups of ginger tea each day to moderate the inflammation or take a supplement like this (ad).
You can also perform a neck massage with ginger oil two to three times a day.
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Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has alkalizing and anti-inflammatory properties that treat both pain and swelling.
Add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and a tablespoon of honey to a glass of water and drink it once a day.
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Sesame seed oil massage
Sesame is rich in magnesium, calcium, manganese, zinc, copper, phosphorus, vitamin D, and vitamin K.
A neck and shoulder massage with sesame seed oil bring near-instant relief.
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Cayenne pepper for inflammation
Chili pepper contains capsaicin which delivers anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
To relieve neck tension, it is recommended that you massage with capsaicin ointment very regularly.
For resistant stomachs, it may also be considered to consume a teaspoon of cayenne pepper powder in a glass of water twice a day.
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Active hemp gel
There has been a lot of talk about hemp in recent years with many CBD products now available on the market.
However, cannabis has been shown to have very interesting therapeutic properties.
Regarding cervical spondylosis, its anti-inflammatory properties moderate stiffness while relieving pain.
Try a hemp cream (ad), you will be amazed at its effectiveness while enjoying its soothing heating effect.
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Alternate hot and cold therapy
Alternate hot and cold is a recognized pain management therapy.
The heat improves blood flow to the painful area, which reduces inflammation.
The cold slows the blood flow, which reduces muscle spasms, inflammation, and pain.
Accessories to relieve cervical osteoarthritis
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Heated neck brace
This thin neck brace is in no way a support neck brace.
It remains supple but contains tourmaline stones which generate a gentle heat on contact with the skin and which, by diffusing constantly, soothe the pain and restore flexibility.
At the first signs of cervical strain, just put on this heated neck brace (ad) to feel soothing, I experience it very regularly.
Just like you, I doubted its effectiveness before trying it and since receiving it it is a real rescue tool in case of cervical osteoarthritis crisis.
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Cervical traction pillow
When the pain becomes unbearable, this particular pillow provides unstoppable neck relaxation.
All you have to do is indulge yourself in simple lying-down sessions, with your neck resting on this traction pillow (ad) for 10 to 15 minutes to achieve beneficial relief.
Its role is to realign the spine while releasing tension in the neck, shoulders, and back.
This is not a traditional pillow, it is very firm and not suitable for sleep.
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Neck and shoulder massager
This neck and shoulder massager is a wireless, battery-powered device that provides a Shiatsu massage.
It can diffuse heat as you wish to further increase its effectiveness by improving blood circulation.
This cervical massager (ad) quickly becomes essential when the neck muscles also cause migraines or uncomfortable shoulder tension.
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Ergonomic pillow
If you suffer from neck pain, you already know that the ergonomic pillow is essential so as not to suffer as soon as you wake up in the morning.
I had a hard time finding mine to tell you everything.
Often too high, too hard, unsuitable, it is not easy to find the right one in the wide choice of models.
I ended up adopting this ergonomic pillow in removable bamboo fibers (ad) that allows you to precisely adjust the height you want.
No more broken neck when waking up or sore from lack of support.
Supplements for cervical spondylosis relief
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Harpagophytum (Devil’s Claw)
Harpagophytum or devil’s claw is a plant with very interesting anti-inflammatory properties for treating neck pain..
The dosage must be precise because an intake of 50 to 100 mg of harpagosides per day is necessary to obtain noticeable relief from joint pain.
Choose harpagophytum capsules (ad) which are 10 times more concentrated than powder.
For chronic pain, consider taking 2.5 grams per day for 2-3 weeks then take a week’s break.
The optimal results of a harpagophytum cure are obtained in 3 months.
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Glucosamine and chondroitin
Glucosamine, like chondroitin, is two substances found naturally in the cartilage and connective tissues of the body.
Their role is to strengthen their structure while preserving the elasticity of cartilages and tendons.
Many supplements are combining these two substances to relieve joint pain and slow the progression of degenerative diseases.
It is, therefore, recommended to supplement with glucosamine and chondroitin in an attempt to control cervical osteoarthritis, keep mobility and block its development.
Be sure to choose a properly dosed supplement knowing that the effective dosage for chondroitin is 800 to 1200mg per day and 1500mg per day for glucosamine.
I chose for my part this one (ad).
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Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in the body, especially in the eyes, cartilage, and skin.
But it tends to wane with age.
Yet it helps produce the synovial fluid so precious for the joints to absorb shock.
It is, therefore, recommended to supplement with hyaluronic acid (ad) at a rate of 200mg per day.
Acupressure techniques for cervical spondylosis relief
Acupressure can bring you real relief from the attacks and even a slowing down of the recurrences.
It calms the sensitivity in the neck and shoulders and relaxes the muscles in a few minutes.
So applying pressure to specific areas can really calm you down.
Two major points must be stimulated and their association is crucial to cut the pain almost instantly.
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Cervical pain acupressure point (neck)
Turn your head to the right or left as desired.
At the back of your neck, you can feel a fairly large muscle, this is the Sterno-cleido-mastoid muscle which is stretched vertically between the mastoid and the clavicle.
Grab this muscle and place your index and middle fingers at the base of the neck to exert firm pressure and circular motions in the hollow at the back of the muscle for a minimum of one minute on each side of the neck.
This magic acupressure point relieves pain and controls dizziness associated with cervical spondylosis.
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Shoulder acupressure point
Cervical osteoarthritis is often linked to severe strain in the shoulders.
There is a specific point lodged in the center of the trapezius muscle.
Place your fingers looking for a sore spot.
As soon as you find it, exert strong pressure and small circular movements until you get muscle relaxation.
Managing cervical spondylosis effectively
The vagaries of life, as well as the passage of time, are at the origin of the stiffness and the wear and tear of the cervicals.
As with rheumatism, doctors cannot find effective solutions to stem this disease.
But, as we have seen, you must take the initiative and try to control cervical spondylosis by all possible tricks.
Whether it’s home remedies, specific supplements, soothing accessories, or targeted manipulations, don’t sit idle, thinking your problem cannot be treated.
Be proactive and you will finally find relief from this painful and depressing tension.
