Patient's question:
I've had my baby for almost three months now. Recently, I've been having headaches, and my left arm feels weak after sleeping, along with numbness in my thumb. The doctor said it's caused by cervical spine issues leading to neuralgia. X-rays showed that the curvature of my cervical spine has become straightened. So, I had massage therapy for ten days, and my condition improved slightly, but after a few days, the headaches returned (jumping up and down). What should I do? What methods can help me cure my illness?Doctor's answer:
Hello: Based on the situation you described, your symptoms are still caused by cervical spine issues. Therefore, what you need to do is actively treat your cervical spine problems! Below are some physical methods you can try: Avoid sleeping with a high pillow at night, and limit prolonged head-down work; When reading, it's okay to add a (support), and when deep in thought, you can rest your chin on your hand; Avoid looking at the ceiling when dizzy, and often stretch your neck when your hands feel weak; Practice lifting your head while brushing your teeth in the morning, and spend your free time lying on a reclining chair; Prone with your head hanging down can help with (repositioning), and doing "self-hanging neck" exercises lessens the need for medical visits.Bending your neck and working for a long time can cause the muscles behind the cervical spine to become easily fatigued due to sustained tension, and the cervical joints can also be worn out. Therefore, it's not advisable to work at a desk for too long. It's best to take a break every one or two hours, or change your posture or movements.
Sleeping with a high pillow at night also causes the cervical spine to bend. If this is done long-term, it can increase wear and tear on the cervical spine. When reading, you naturally have to look down at the book. If you use a to prop the book up at an angle, you can slightly lift your head without having to hold your neck in a prolonged bend.
Supporting your chin with your hand while using your brain is undoubtedly a good habit for cervical spine patients, as it can reduce the burden on the neck muscles and prevent overexertion. If the vertebral artery is compressed due to cervical spondylosis, it can cause brain ischemia and dizziness. Tilted head movements can increase this pressure, so every time you look up at the ceiling and feel dizzy, you should pay attention to avoiding this action.
When the cervical spine compresses the nerve roots, it can cause numbness, pain, and weakness from the upper limbs to the fingertips. Neck traction can expand the intervertebral foramina, reduce the compression on the nerve roots, and naturally alleviate symptoms. Cervical spine patients should do more neck functional exercises, especially extension movements, as this can help the cervical joints