Cervical spine syndrome – effects and consequences

Introduction

Cervical spine syndrome is the umbrella term for a large number of different orthopaedic and neurological symptoms caused by pathologies in the cervical spine region. The consequences and complications that this variety of symptoms brings with it are far-reaching, ranging from the slightest discomfort to serious limitations in the life of a person affected. A distinction must also be made as to whether the cervical spine syndrome is acute or chronic. It is important that patients are informed about the possible risks and effects of this disease and that they are given support in how to cope with it more easily.

The most common consequences

The most common and widespread consequence of the cervical spine syndrome is neck pain, which can radiate into the head, shoulder or arms. People who are exposed to continuous incorrect strain due to their work are particularly affected. This includes prolonged standing, prolonged sitting, working at the computer or working overhead.

Muscle tension, nerve irritation or nerve compression can then cause numbness, weakness or paralysis in the respective nerve area in addition to the pain. Many patients suffer enormously from the effects of the severe pain, which is often life-limiting and unfortunately often difficult to treat. Basically the basis of a good therapy concept is a balanced combination of: In Germany, the chronification of back pain is becoming an ever greater problem.

Pain therapy in this context is a difficult challenge, because every patient reacts differently to the various forms of therapy. Patients should be informed that it can sometimes be a frustrating process, as many options must often be tried out. – Pain medication

  • Muscular structure
  • Alternative therapeutic options depending on the cause of the cervical spine syndrome.

The clinical picture of the cervical spine syndrome brings in some cases unfortunately longer-term losses of illness by chronic pain or rehabilitation stays with itself. On the one hand, this can lead to resentment on the part of the employer or colleagues. On the other hand, depending on the length of the sick leave, there are also some things that have to be taken into account.

If you are absent for up to 6 weeks, there will be no changes. After 6 weeks of sick leave, the employee’s health insurance company will arrange for a compensation payment, also called sick pay. This is 70% of the gross salary.

In the case of rehabilitation stays, the pension insurance pays a transitional allowance. As the number of patients suffering from cervical spine syndrome increases, so does the number of employees who have to take early retirement due to the limitations of this disease. Before an application for occupational disability has to be made, the pension insurance fund will in most cases offer rehabilitation measures to restore the ability to work.

Intensive all-day rehabilitation programmes or weekly regular training sessions can bring about drastic improvements for some patients. A gradual reintegration into everyday working life with numerous aids in the organisation of working hours is also carried out in Germany. In addition, a change in the workplace can also help by optimizing posture.

If the work itself is no longer feasible, retraining for another profession can be carried out. If any work cannot be carried out for more than 6 or 3 hours, however, a partial or complete reduction in earning capacity exists. Since each case must be decided individually, it is worthwhile to visit a counselling centre of the German Pension Insurance in person.