5 Soothing Massages For Cervical Spondylosis

Cervical spondylosis is an age related wear and tear of the spinal discs, bones and joints in the cervical region, located in the back of your neck. This is a painful condition where the pain is not only in the back of the neck but could also radiate to the head, shoulders and arms e:tc. The spinal canal or the vetebral column has discs between two bones called as intervertebral discs. In cervical spondylosis, these discs dehydrate and shrink. They also stiffen. Bony spurs or projections develop alone the margins of the bones. These aggravate the complaints even further as they could narrow the internal spinal canal or they could compress on the spinal nerve roots.

Symptoms Of Cervical Spondylosis:

Cervical spondylosis sometimes occurs in those who have had an injury to the neck. Certain occupations or certain activities are likely to put strain on the neck and eventually cause cervical spondylosis.

The initial symptom usually observed is pain and stiffness in the neck, often radiating to the shoulders. There could also be headache associated with this condition. When the bony spurs compress on the nerve roots, it produces tingling and numbness mostly along the arms. There could also be lack of coordination and difficulty in walking. In worst cases it could cause loss of bowel and bladder control.

The Soothing Massages:

Before moving on to the soothing massages, it is important to make a note on the impact of proper sleeping positions and exercise to relieve the symptoms of cervical spondylosis. Never use thick pillows, if you have cervical spondylosis. Use a very thin pillow enough to narrow the gap between the head and shoulders. It is advisable to lie down flat on the bed. Soft neck braces give support to the neck muscles and help in relieving the pain. But however using them for long duration could weaken the neck muscles.

Walking daily even before the onset of cervical spondylosis is advisable for a healthy life. These are likely to help control the occurrence of backache, neck pain etc. besides other obvious benefits. Aim to include low impact exercises once the symptoms start, like walking, swimming etc. Neck stretches and yoga exercises helps in controlling the pain and gives flexibility to the neck.

1. Alternating Hot And Cold Compress:

This type of compress helps in relieving the pain, stiffness and swelling in the region. Warmth always acts as a muscle relaxer and also serves to promote the blood flow to the areas, which helps in the healing process. The cold brings down the swelling. All you need is a hot water bottle for a hot compress. Just wrap a few ice cubes in a thin towel for the cold compress. Apply the hot compress for 2 to 3 minutes first then the cold compress for a minute. Repeat for 15 minutes. You could do this a few times daily.

2. Epsom Salt Massage:

Epsom salt bath is well known for its ability to help reduce stiffness and inflammation. You could soak yourself in a warm bath tub in which 2 cups of Epsom salt has been added to it. Soak for 15 to 20 minutes. Take this bath 2 or 3 times a week. A paste of 1 to 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt with water could be applied to the area for 15 minutes. Apply this paste every other day.

3. Garlic Infused Oil:

This massage of garlic infused in vegetable oil serves to provide relief to the pain and inflammation. Crush 3 cloves of oil and heat it in a pan with some vegetable oil. After cooling massage the neck area with this oil for 5 to 10 minutes.

4. Sesame Oil:

Sesame seeds are good for the bones as they are rich in bone friendly minerals like calcium, phosphorus etc. They are also good sources of bone friendly vitamins K and D. Sesame oil is available in a prepackaged form. Warm up some of this healthy oil, soak a cloth or towel in it and apply this warm compress to the painful area.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar:

This again is used as a compress in the painful area to soothe the pain and inflammation. Soak a towel in apple cider vinegar and apply it to the neck. You could also add 2 cups of apple cider vinegar to your warm bath water and soak yourself in it.