00:10Do you spend hours looking down at your phone or working on a laptop only to end up with a
00:15stiff, painful neck?
00:17Sometimes that discomfort is more than muscle tension.
00:20Tonight on Housecall, we're talking about cervical spondylosis.
00:24What causes it, the symptoms to look out for, and how you can protect your neck.
00:30Cervical spondylosis refers to the age-related wear and tear of the bones, discs, and joints of the neck.
00:37Over time, your discs that cushion the bones in your neck can lose height and flexibility,
00:42and bony growths known as osteophytes may develop.
00:46These changes can lead to nerve irritation and compression.
00:50Some people experience no symptoms at all.
00:53Others experience neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and discomfort that extends to the shoulders.
01:00If a nerve becomes compressed, you may experience pain radiating down the arm, weakness, numbness, and tingling.
01:08So what causes cervical spondylosis and who's at risk?
01:12Aging is the biggest risk factor, although genetics and prior neck injuries can contribute.
01:19Notably, poor posture and prolonged screen time can aggravate neck pain, although they do not necessarily cause cervical spondylosis.
01:28So what can you do to protect your neck?
01:31Firstly, improve your workstation ergonomics.
01:34Keep your screen at eye level, keep your elbows close to your body, your shoulders relaxed, and your feet flat
01:42on the floor.
01:42Secondly, take regular movement breaks.
01:46Every 30 minutes, stand up, change positions, and move your neck gently.
01:51Thirdly, strengthen your neck and upper back muscles.
01:55Gentle chin tucks, shoulder-bait squeezes, and appropriate physiotherapy exercise can improve your comfort levels.
02:03Treatment may also include heat, short-term pain relief, and physiotherapy.
02:08Of course, you should seek medical assessment if your neck pain persists, worsens, or radiates down the arms.
02:15And importantly, if you develop progressive weakness, difficulty walking, loss of coordination, and new bladder and bowel problems,
02:26this can suggest spinal cord involvement and requires urgent assessment.
02:32Cervical spondylosis is common as we get older, but it does not always cause pain or require surgery.
02:39Your neck was designed to move, not stay in one position all day.
02:43Small changes to your workstation and daily habits can make a real difference.
02:49It's Dr. Mariana Brown for TV6 House Call.
03:01Thank you to Dr. Mariana Brown for TV6 House Call.
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