Orthopedics "rumor-busting" popular science 4 | If cervical spondylosis occurs, can it be cured by massage?

Rumors debunked: Not all cervical spondylosis is suitable for massage, and massage also has contraindications.

First of all, it is recommended that you go to the hospital for a comprehensive examination after experiencing symptoms such as neck and shoulder discomfort, dizziness, and numbness of hands to determine whether it is caused by cervical spondylosis. If the doctor diagnoses that the above symptoms are caused by cervical spondylosis, the type of cervical spondylosis must be determined before choosing the correct treatment method.

For spinal cord type cervical spondylosis, massage and acupressure in the acute stage can easily aggravate the symptoms and even cause paralysis! What about other types of cervical spondylosis? The answer is: not necessarily.

The following situations need to be kept in mind:

1. Patients with cervical spondylosis and carotid artery plaques are not suitable for massage, because it may cause plaque detachment and the risk of thrombosis. Patients with acute cervical radiculopathy are also not suitable for massage.

2. Massage is prohibited for patients with tumors in the neck, unidentified masses, calcification of the posterior longitudinal ligament with symptoms of spinal cord compression, or congenital cervical vertebrae deformities.

3. People with cervical vertebrae trauma, moderate to severe inflammation or skin damage are not suitable for massage.

4. Patients with severe osteoporosis, tuberculosis, severe physical weakness after surgery, and various functional failure diseases are prohibited from receiving massage.

Author: Chen Jiang, Chief Physician of Orthopedics Department, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Member of the Bone and Joint Rehabilitation Committee of the Chinese Rehabilitation Medicine Association

Review expert: Mu Xiaohong, Director of Orthopedics Department, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Vice Chairman of Bone and Joint Rehabilitation Committee of Chinese Rehabilitation Medicine Association