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Does Physical Therapy Help In Treating Severe Disc Degeneration?
My neck x-rays show that I have: Severe facet degeneration right side at C5-C6 and C6-C7. Severe disc degeneration C5-C6 and C-6-C7 with grade 1 anterolisthesis of C5 on C6. 1 mm of anterolisthesis of C1 on C2 during flexion and reduces with extension. This is considered physiologic. Prevertibral soft tissues are unremarkable. I am female, 61 years old, have shrunk from 5 4.25 5 3.5 , and weigh 117 lbs. I ride a stationary bike daily and attend several yoga classes a week. I have always had neck pain and stiffness, though it has gotten progressively worse. The pain is sometimes bad but not unbearable. 1. Is physical therapy likely to help? 2. What movements and exercises should I avoid so as not to exacerbate my neck issues? 3. What movements and exercises should I be doing to help to ameliorate my neck pain and stiffness?
Thu, 29 Oct 2020
General & Family Physician, Dr. Vasudha's Response
Hi,
Physical exercise will not reduce or arrest denervation but it would help in empowering muscles to combat the symptoms. Flexion of neck, prolonged neck positions in uncomfortable state, undue stress to cervical spine must be arrested. Avoid flexion of spine totally. Neck extension exercises in specific forms depending on the harm done and it's exact position. To be consulted by a spinal surgeon and learnt from a physiotherapist.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Vasudha Jayant Athavale, General & Family Physician
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Does Physical Therapy Help In Treating Severe Disc Degeneration?
Hi, Physical exercise will not reduce or arrest denervation but it would help in empowering muscles to combat the symptoms. Flexion of neck, prolonged neck positions in uncomfortable state, undue stress to cervical spine must be arrested. Avoid flexion of spine totally. Neck extension exercises in specific forms depending on the harm done and it s exact position. To be consulted by a spinal surgeon and learnt from a physiotherapist. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Vasudha Jayant Athavale, General & Family Physician