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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Diagnosed With Cervical Spondalosis. Suffer From Depression. Scheduled For Surgery. Is There Any Less Aggressive Method?

hello my father is 76 yrs old recently diagnosed with cervical spondalosis he is very frail and is suffering from severe depression the doctor has scheduled him for surgery we are thinking about getting a second opinion the surgeon stated that if he falls he could be paralyzed we are worried he will not come out of surgery well is this something we should be trying to cure with a less aggressive method
posted on Sat, 17 Aug 2013
Twitter Wed, 21 Aug 2013 Answered on
Twitter Wed, 21 Aug 2013 Last reviewed on
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Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement,  's  Response
Hi,

If he is not fit for surgery, following less aggressive method can be tried-

Physical therapy and exercise- Exercises can be used to help reduce the pain in the arm. In the initial period a physical therapist may also opt to use modalities such as heat/ice or ultrasound, to help reduce muscle spasm.
*Cervical traction- Traction on the head can help reduce pressure over the nerve root.
*Chiropractic manipulation.
*Osteopathic medicine.
*Activity modification- Avoid activities like heavy lifting (over 50 pounds), activities that can cause increased vibration and compression to the cervical spine (boating, snowmobile riding, running, etc.), and overhead activities that require prolonged neck extension and/or rotation.
*Bracing. In some instances a cervical collar or brace may be recommended to help provide some rest for the cervical spine.
*Injections. Epidural steroid injections or selective nerve root blocks can be helpful to reduce inflammation in cases of severe pain.

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Diagnosed With Cervical Spondalosis. Suffer From Depression. Scheduled For Surgery. Is There Any Less Aggressive Method?

Hi, If he is not fit for surgery, following less aggressive method can be tried- Physical therapy and exercise- Exercises can be used to help reduce the pain in the arm. In the initial period a physical therapist may also opt to use modalities such as heat/ice or ultrasound, to help reduce muscle spasm. *Cervical traction- Traction on the head can help reduce pressure over the nerve root. *Chiropractic manipulation. *Osteopathic medicine. *Activity modification- Avoid activities like heavy lifting (over 50 pounds), activities that can cause increased vibration and compression to the cervical spine (boating, snowmobile riding, running, etc.), and overhead activities that require prolonged neck extension and/or rotation. *Bracing. In some instances a cervical collar or brace may be recommended to help provide some rest for the cervical spine. *Injections. Epidural steroid injections or selective nerve root blocks can be helpful to reduce inflammation in cases of severe pain.