Diagnosis
The diagnosis of a chronic cervical spine syndrome can be made if the affected person suffers repeatedly from the typical symptoms of a cervical spine syndrome over a longer period of several months or years. In addition, there must be no evidence of other treatable causes of the symptoms, such as inflammation or bony injury. The degree of pain and tension can be more or less pronounced or even absent on some days. For the diagnosis of a chronic cervical spine syndrome, no further examinations are usually necessary apart from the targeted physical examination and the medical consultation. In some cases, a diagnosis via a blood sample or an imaging procedure such as an x-ray of the cervical spine is useful to exclude other possible causes of the complaints
The treatment
As in the acute cervical spine syndrome, the treatment of the chronic form also focuses on active movement measures. Since a chronic cervical spine syndrome often cannot be completely cured, the treatment goals are usually the best possible handling of the symptoms and an alleviation of the symptoms. The affected person should integrate regular physical activity into everyday life.
Various sports such as swimming, Nordic walking or yoga are suitable. Strengthening the musculature by participating in a back school also has a positive effect. The learning of relaxation techniques is also highly recommended.
On the other hand, medicinal relief of pain or tension should be the exception. A long-term intake of painkillers carries many dangers and can even cause pain itself. Moreover, in the case of a chronic condition such as cervical spine syndrome, not only the purely biological aspects of the complaints should be considered.
Both psychological and social factors have an important influence on the development and perception of symptoms. In the treatment of chronic cervical spine syndrome, support in these areas may therefore be important. Problems or stresses in the psychological or social sphere should be recognised and addressed at an early stage and, if possible, tackled.
The duration of a chronic cervical spine syndrome
A distinction is made between the acute and the chronic cervical spine syndrome, whereby the acute can also change into the chronic form. In contrast to many other illnesses, it is not uniformly determined from which duration one speaks of a chronic cervical spine syndrome. Back pain in general is referred to as a chronic condition if the symptoms last for more than twelve weeks.
If the duration is between four and twelve weeks, an intermediate form is present, which is called subacute. In the case of a chronic cervical spine syndrome, healing is often no longer possible. The aim of treatment is then usually to relieve and control the symptoms and improve the quality of life.
