Unlock the secrets of cervical spine protection and self-help for "head-down tribe"

Author: Fan Hailong, deputy chief physician of Hohhot Traditional Chinese Medicine and Mongolian Medicine Hospital

Liu Yaqin Inner Mongolia Medical University

Reviewer: Hui Keyi, Chief Physician, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine

In this fast-paced modern life, do you often feel neck pain and stiffness, as if tightly bound by invisible ropes? If so, you may have quietly joined the "army of cervical spondylosis". Today, let us unveil the mystery of cervical spondylosis in a relaxed and interesting way and teach you some self-help tips!

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1. The "Behind-the-Scenes Pusher" of Cervical Spondylosis

Think back, do you spend your days like this: when you wake up in the morning, the first thing you do is grab your phone to check your friends circle; on the way to work, you lower your head and immerse yourself in the world of games, short videos or novels; when you get to the office, you spend a long time working at your desk or in front of the computer; when you get home in the evening, you curl up on the sofa or bed and watch TV series until late at night... These seemingly ordinary behavioral habits are actually the "behind-the-scenes drivers" of cervical spondylosis.

Long periods of bowing the head, sitting in an incorrect posture, and lack of exercise will put great pressure on the cervical spine, and the neck muscles will be tense for a long time. Over time, cervical spondylosis will come knocking. Therefore, improving living habits is the first priority in preventing cervical spondylosis!

2. The “magic weapon” for treating cervical spondylosis

What should I do if I have cervical spondylosis? Don't worry, try these "magic weapons" first. Traditional Chinese medicine therapies such as acupuncture and massage are like a deep SPA for the cervical spine, which can dredge the meridians and relieve muscle tension. Physical therapies such as hot compress, cold compress, and electrotherapy are like applying a warm or cool "mask" to the cervical spine, which can effectively reduce inflammation and pain.

Don’t forget that exercise is also a good way to treat cervical spondylosis. Simple neck exercises, such as the rice character exercise, are a set of gymnastics for the cervical spine, which can enhance the strength and flexibility of the neck muscles and make the cervical spine healthier.

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3. Try rehabilitation assistive devices under professional guidance

If you have noticed discomfort in your cervical spine, you may want to try rehabilitation aids. A cervical traction device can reduce the pressure on the cervical spine through traction, making you feel much more relaxed. A neck massager is like a masseur who follows you closely, bringing you a comfortable experience anytime and anywhere. There are also some high-tech products, such as cervical rehabilitation robots, which can provide you with precise rehabilitation training and assessment, allowing the cervical spine to recover faster.

However, when using these devices, be sure to do so under the guidance of professionals to avoid counterproductive effects.

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IV. Online health care equipment: Don’t follow the trend, choosing the right one is the key

There are countless cervical massagers, cervical pillows, cervical supports, traction devices, etc. that are hot-selling online, which makes people dazzled. However, it should be emphasized that when buying these online products, do not follow the trend, stay rational, and choose the right one! Cervical massagers can quickly relieve muscle tension and are suitable for daily health care; cervical pillows and cervical supports can help maintain the correct posture and reduce the burden on the cervical spine. But please remember that quality and applicability are the hard truths, and it is best to choose and use them under the guidance of a doctor.

It is not difficult to protect our cervical spine. You only need to master a few tips. First, maintain a good sitting and standing posture, and avoid bowing your head or shrugging your shoulders for a long time. Secondly, regularly exercise your neck and shoulder muscles, such as doing the M-shaped exercise and shrugging your shoulders. In addition, it is also important to keep your neck warm! Cold can easily cause muscle spasms and pain. In addition, insisting on physical exercise such as swimming, yoga and other full-body exercises can comprehensively enhance the strength and flexibility of the neck muscles.

Although cervical spondylosis is common, it is not terrible. As long as we develop good living habits and choose rehabilitation methods and health care equipment that suit us, we can face the challenges of cervical spondylosis more calmly. Remember, take care of your cervical spine, start now!