Cervical Spondylosis 'Delayed' Symptoms. How C/S Symptoms manifest themselves.

[gerry the neck]

Hi Dr Damien
Thanks for reply. Firstly, I fully understand the difficulties with monitoring or clinically assessing sleeping postures for C/S patients. Patients are awake when they attend clinic and must be dealt with as such. However, if I were to say that the quality of my life would have been improved if I had been advised to investigate sleeping postures myself, many years ago, I'm sure you can see where I'm coming from, and why I would like to see such guidance offered to patients as early as possible. All that's really required is that the patients are made aware of the possibilities, and then its up to them how they react. Its a means of empowering the patient to treat themselves through trial and error, it requires no appointments, no fees, no medications etc, and can be advised in conjunction with more conventional practices. Most C/S patients are frustrated and confused by their condition and perhaps not thinking too clearly about what might work for them. What I'm suggesting is an easy way to help ease symptoms, to stop the symptoms entering cyclical phases, and generally to encourage more confidence for managing the condition. The average patient is away from the clinic 99.9% of the time, and the benefits of being able to feel they can somehow control the symptoms without clinical help should be apparent.
My own experience was one of absolute frustration before realising the difference adjusting sleep postures could make. I no longer feel I have a need to take the problem to a professional, and I no longer feel undermined by worrying about what new symptoms are likely to appear tomorrow on waking. The adjustments make a dramatic difference to what I experience, and I suspect the same would be true for most C/S patients. If it works, its worth a try, even if my arguments in favour don't always convince. And when we consider the 'unproven' description of most current treatments for C/S, including medications and surgery, then I think that adjusting sleeping postures looks like a very favorable option for the patient. Its a complimentary option which C/S patierts should be made aware of at the earliest opportunity by their treatment advisors. Sometimes, the patient needs to hear that from a respected professional, before they rouse themselves to the challenge.

Gerry

[gerry the neck]

Have to say that, on revisiting these postings, I am very happy that I might have helped lever the idea of beneficial sleep postures for C/S into the professional consciousness. Always was amazed that sleep therapy should have been mostly ignored when it was obviously, to me anyway, the catalyst for 'associated' symptoms. I know many disagree with this understanding, but at least the option for exploring further has been aroused....and that, to me, is what's needed. The thing about sleep postures is that, although difficult for a professional to monitor and test (maybe the reason its been ignored), it is relatively simple for a patient to apply (although without being professionally advised it is difficult for a patient to adopt with confidence). If I could suggest a way to square that circle...I would. There should be no problem advising a safe therapy, even if the professional is unsure of its merits, but the patient should be made aware of all options, particularly options which don't carry risks.
I have noticed there have been over 7,500 views on these posts, mostly PTs, I assume, and hopefully some patients as well. The proof of the therapy will always be in testing, by whatever means. An interested patient might read the suggestions, decide to try it, and can start right now with no expense, appointments or specialised equiptment. It can be done at home, in their own time, and all evaluated within perhaps a week. Just sounds too easy by comparison with usual procedures....and can be disposed of if no improvements achieved quickly. My advice....Try It !

Might leave it there for the moment, and if you've read these posts.....thank you.

Gerry