Symptom Finder - Treatment of Cervical Spondylosis
CERVICAL SPONDYLOSIS
1. Naproxen (Naprosyn): 500 mg bid–tid.
2. Alternatively Meloxicam: 7.5–15.0 mg bid or diclofenac (Voltaren) 50–75 mg bid.
3. Prednisone: 10–30 mg first 4 days of each week.
4. Cervical collar latched in front to be worn particularly at night.
5. Cervical exercises in 3 plains (flexion, extension, lateral bending and rotation): 5–15 min bid.
6. Facet or trigger point injections with 1–2 cc 1% Lidocaine and 20–
40 mg of methylprednisolone acetate q4–6wks by a specialist trained in this procedure.
7. Cervical traction horizontal or over the door beginning with 7–10lb for 30 minutes bid and gradually increasing to 15 lb for 1 hour bid. Enlist help of physiotherapist to initiated this or refer to physiotherapist for treatment.
8. If there is clear evidence of radiculopathy or spinal cord compression clinically or by imaging studies (MRI, etc.) refer to neurosurgeon for evaluation and laminectomy, etc.
9. Consider narcotic analgesics only after failure of the above.
1. Naproxen (Naprosyn): 500 mg bid–tid.
2. Alternatively Meloxicam: 7.5–15.0 mg bid or diclofenac (Voltaren) 50–75 mg bid.
3. Prednisone: 10–30 mg first 4 days of each week.
4. Cervical collar latched in front to be worn particularly at night.
5. Cervical exercises in 3 plains (flexion, extension, lateral bending and rotation): 5–15 min bid.
6. Facet or trigger point injections with 1–2 cc 1% Lidocaine and 20–
40 mg of methylprednisolone acetate q4–6wks by a specialist trained in this procedure.
7. Cervical traction horizontal or over the door beginning with 7–10lb for 30 minutes bid and gradually increasing to 15 lb for 1 hour bid. Enlist help of physiotherapist to initiated this or refer to physiotherapist for treatment.
8. If there is clear evidence of radiculopathy or spinal cord compression clinically or by imaging studies (MRI, etc.) refer to neurosurgeon for evaluation and laminectomy, etc.
9. Consider narcotic analgesics only after failure of the above.