Cervical spondylosis

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Prevention

By Mayo Clinic staff

You may not be able to prevent cervical spondylosis. However, you may be able to reduce your risk by following these suggestions:

  • Get regular physical exercise, following just about any fitness program that suits you
  • Skip high-impact activities, such as running, if you have any neck pain
  • Do exercises to maintain neck strength, flexibility and range of motion
  • Take breaks when driving, watching TV or working on a computer to keep from holding your head in the same position for long periods
  • Practice good posture, with your neck aligned over your shoulders
  • Protect your neck from injury by using a seat belt when in a car
References
  1. Aminoff J. Mechanical and other lesions of the spine, nerve roots, and spinal cord. In: Goldman L, et al., eds. Goldman: Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/176708901-5/933828718/1492/1420.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2805-5..50428-6--cesec48_17886. Accessed Dec. 31, 2009.
  2. Robinson J, et al. Clinical features and diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 31, 2009.
  3. Cervical spondylosis. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00369. Accessed Dec. 31, 2009.
  4. Levin K. Cervical spondylotic myelopathy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 31, 2009.
  5. Isaac Z, et al. Evaluation of the patient with neck pain and cervical spine disorders. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 31, 2009.
  6. Williams KD, et al. Lower back pain and disorders of intervertebral discs. In: Canale ST, et al. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/176885618-7/934423257/1584/297.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-03329-9..50042-8--cesec55_2001. Accessed Dec. 31, 2009.
  7. Roth D, et al. Cervical radiculopathy. Disease-a-Month. 2009:55;737.
  8. Robinson J, et al. Treatment of cervical radiculopathy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 31, 2009.
  9. Shelerud RA (expert opinion). Rochester, Minn., Jan. 6, 2010.
  10. Chang-Miller, A (expert opinion). Rochester, Minn., Jan. 1, 2010.
DS00697 Feb. 27, 2010

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