Cervical Collapse Treatment

As the body ages, cervical disks in the spine begin to deteriorate, and disk collapse is common. The condition creates pain when nerves are pinched between adjacent disks. Treatment for cervical collapse is similar to therapies for other spinal injuries. Some treatment requires professional supervision while other options are available for at-home care.

Manual Therapy

• A practitioner of manual therapy focuses on direct manipulation of the cervical joints. Tension is relieved by carefully mobilizing cervical muscles using methods such as Active Release Technique. The practitioner determines where cervical pressure resides and massages the area in a multipass process. This is a common procedure for many spinal injuries, including cervical disk collapse.

Traction

• Traction therapy relieves pressure on cervical joints by pulling spinal areas away from their tension. The technique applies weights, pulleys or other similar mechanisms directly to the head so affected cervical parts are mobilized. While traction is a common form of treatment, a 2009 study determined that this therapy may not have the benefit that is widely expected. The research suggested that pain reduction using other techniques is more effective than traction.

Exercises

• Frequent treatment for cervical collapse involves exercises to build muscles surrounding damaged areas. This supports the injured cervical disks to relieve tension. Cervical retraction exercises isolate muscles in the neck and back regions in an effort to reduce pain associated with the spinal cord and its nerves. Once learned, the patient may repeat these exercises individually at home or elsewhere without supervision.

Surgery

• Cervical collapse is a natural and widespread symptom of the aging process. The majority of cases do not require invasive techniques to treat pain effectively. In severe situations, however, surgery is a valid consideration. Results are variable, and surgery should be considered only after extensive efforts with more conservative therapy. One solution is a titanium cage implant that replaces damaged bones with an artificial support mechanism. While effective for some patients, a high percentage continue to have difficulties or experience new problems.

Halo Assembly

• In exceptional circumstances, the upper torso may attach to a mechanism for maximum reduction in pain. This "halo assembly" is a complex apparatus that significantly restricts many aspects of a normal lifestyle. However, fundamental activities such as sleep and walking become possible as the external support relieves most of the pressure on the spine. This treatment is only warranted in conditions with no other means for therapy.