Is there a link between cervical spondylosis and walking ? Many questions arise about the marche with respect to cervical spondylosis. Is it bad to walk in the presence of this condition? Or on the contrary, the marche would it contribute to attenuate this affection? In this article, we help you see it more clearly.
Contents
Cervical osteoarthritis: what is it?
Remember that anyone can suffer cervical osteoarthritis. However, it is mainly the elderly in their forties and over who are mainly affected. With age, our joints wear out. It is moreover this joint wear who defines osteoarthritis.
The joints du of not being spared, we then speak of cervicarthrose ou cervical spondylosis.
The intervertebral fibrocartilages or intervertebral discs degenerate. This is sometimes accompanied by the formation of bony growths (osteophytes).
As a consequence, pain, stiffness and limitation of mobility are present. It may also have upper limb paresthesias if the nerve roots are affected. All these symptoms cause discomfort during certain postures, walking, etc.
If you want to know more about the cervicarthrosis, click here.
Does cervical osteoarthritis affect walking? Is that bad ?
Some people suffering cervical osteoarthritis present des unrest a walk. Some even move abnormally. It may have something to do with neck pain. By radiating to the other parts of the spine, it prevents the patient from adopting a normal posture and also causes discomfort in movement.
The unrest of the marche are more particularly marked in cases where theOsteoarthritis cervical gets worse.
In the cases complicated, as in reaching the spinal cord, spinal compression or myelopathy, there would be problems with reflexes, strength and motor coordination of the limbs (including the legs). If the gait problems are significant, it is because the cervicarthrose is plus reaction.
In the majority of patients, however, cervical spondylosis does not generate problems to the marche. Indeed, in almost half of the cases, the disease is even asymptomatic. Medical examinations confirm the presence of a cervical spondylosis while the patient's condition is completely normal. He has no pain or other symptoms and marche normally.
Is walking good or bad in case of cervical osteoarthritis?
We tend to think that since cervical spondylosis can cause mobility problems, so avoid moving too much.
On the contrary, it is strongly recommended to do light sports such as marche to prevent and treat all kinds of osteoarthritis. It is also useful for maintaining joint health. Walking exercises are ideal because of their multiple benefits, provided the cervicarthrose does not manifest itself seriously. In addition, it is a simple and easy exercise to do on a daily basis.
The positive effects of walking on cervical spondylosis, they are numerous.
Walking promotes cartilage nutrition and mobility
Walking activates blood circulation and optimizes the production of synovial substance. The elements of the cervical joint are then better nourished and better lubricated, which would optimize mobility.
Walking improves flexibility and corrects posture
Trying to remedy gait problems with light exercises contributes to the gradual elimination of stiffness and mobility limitations.
Walking strengthens the musculoskeletal system
Walking strengthens the muscles, bones and tendons in the neck and also in the back for better support. There will therefore be an improvement in the assimilation of traumas and shocks liable to damage the joints. Their wear is then slowed down, or even avoided.
Walking is also effective against pain
Since the nutrition of the cartilages is improved, the effects of wear, in particular pain, will be reduced.
Walking promotes independence
You will no longer need to depend on the help of others to walk. It boosts self-esteem.
Some tips to take advantage of the benefits of walking on cervical osteoarthritis
To take full advantage of the benefits of marche, it is advisable to have sessions lasting 30 minutes a day, au less than 5 times per week.
During activities de marche, it is best to start the session with a few minutes of slow walk to warm up (5 minutes is enough). It will be necessary to continue with good steps for several minutes. If necessary, you can interrupt with short breaks every 5 minutes. End the session with a return to slow walking for a few minutes.
You can gradually increase the training time so that it reaches 30 minutes or more.
If it seems too hard, you can spread the walking exercises throughout the day, it would always be beneficial in the face of the cervicarthrose.
It is always best to consult a healthcare professional (such as a physiotherapist or physiotherapist) to establish a safe and progressive plan.
References
https://www.ffrandonnee.fr/s-informer/sante/arthrose-et-marche-quand-les-articulations-coincent