Spondylosis Research Articles

Prevalence of Neck Pain in Dental Surgeons

Background: Cervical pain, or cervicalgia, is increasingly recognized as a significant occupational hazard among dental surgeons. The demands of dental practice, including prolonged static postures and repetitive motions, have been implicated in the development of musculoskeletal disorders, with a notable impact on the cervical spine. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of cervical pain among dental surgeons and identify associated risk factors, focusing on the impact of work-related postures. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 90 dental surgeons from June to December 2022, employing non-probability convenience sampling. Participants were recruited from Farooq Hospital (Westwood branch), Akhtar Saeed Medical and Dental College, and Fatima Memorial Hospital, Lahore. Inclusion criteria targeted dental surgeons aged 20 to 35 years, excluding those over 35, dental assistants, other medical doctors, and individuals with cervical spondylosis. Pain intensity was measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, with quantitative variables presented as means, standard deviations, ranges, and histograms, and categorical variables as frequencies and percentages. Results: The study found that 83% of the participating dental surgeons experienced neck pain, attributable to faulty work postures. The age distribution of participants was primarily within the 20-25 age group (65.6%), and a significant majority were females (62.2%). Regarding pain intensity, 50% reported mild pain, 27.8% moderate pain, and 5.6% severe pain, with 16.7% reporting no pain. Conclusion: The high prevalence of cervical pain among dental surgeons underscores the critical need for ergonomic intervention and awareness in dental practice. Implementing ergonomic principles and promoting a better understanding of occupational health risks can potentially reduce the incidence of cervical pain and improve the overall well-being of dental professionals.

Effect of Intelligent Health Education Based on Health Belief Model on Patients With Kinesophobia After Surgical Treatment of Cervical Spondylosis

To explore the application effect of intelligent health education based on the health belief model on patients with postoperative kinesophobia after surgical treatment of cervical spondylosis. A prospective cohort study was conducted with patients who underwent anterior cervical discectomy, decompression, and fusion surgery with a single central nerve and spine center, and who had postoperative kinesophobia, ie, fear of movement. The patients made voluntary decisions concerning whether they would receive the intervention of intelligent health education. The patients were divided into a control group and an intelligent education group and the intervention started on the second day after the surgery. The intelligent education group received intelligent education starting from the second day after surgery through a WeChat widget that used the health belief model as the theoretical framework. The intelligent health education program was designed according to the concept of patient problems, needs, guidance, practice, and feedbacks. It incorporated four modules, including knowledge, intelligent exercise, overcoming obstacles, and sharing and interaction. It had such functions as reminders, fun exercise, shadowing exercise, monitoring, and documentation. Health education for the control group also started on the second day after surgery and was conducted by a method of brochures of pictures and text and WeChat group reminder messages. The participants were surveyed before discharge and 3 months after their surgery. The primary outcome measure compared between the two groups was the degree of kinesophobia. Secondary outcome measures included differences in adherence to functional exercise (Functional Exercise Adherence Scale), pain level (Visual Analogue Scale score), degree of cervical functional impairment (Cervical Disability Index), and quality of life (primarily assessed by the Quality of Life Short Form 12 [SF-12] scale for psychological and physiological health scores). A total of 112 patients were enrolled and 108 patients completed follow-up. Eventually, there were 53 cases in the intelligent education group and 55 cases in the control group. None of the patients experienced any sports-related injuries. There was no statistically significant difference in the primary and secondary outcome measures between the two groups at the time of discharge. At the 3-month follow-up after the surgery, the level of kinesophobia in the intelligent education group (25.72±3.90) was lower than that in the control group (29.67±6.16), and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.05). In the intelligent education group, the degree of pain (expressed in the median [25th percentile, 75th percentile]) was lower than that of the control group (0 [0, 0] vs. 1 [1, 2], P<0.05), the functional exercise adherence was better than that of the control group (63.87±7.26 vs. 57.73±8.07, P<0.05), the psychological health was better than that of the control group (40.78±3.98 vs. 47.78±1.84, P<0.05), and the physical health was better than that of the control group (43.16±4.41 vs. 46.30±3.80, P<0.05), with all the differences being statistically significant. There was no statistically significant difference in the degree of cervical functional impairment between the two groups (1 [1, 2] vs. 3 [2, 7], P>0.05). Intelligent health education based on the health belief model can help reduce the degree of kinesophobia in patients with postoperative kinesophobia after surgical treatment of cervical spondylosis and improve patient prognosis.

Safety and efficacy of day anterior cervical discectomy and fusion procedure for degenerative cervical spondylosis: a retrospective analysis

ObjectiveOur study aimed to develop a day anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) procedure to treat degenerative cervical spondylosis (DCS). The goal was to analyze its clinical implications, safety, and early effects to provide a better surgical option for eligible DCS patients.MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed to identify DCS patients who underwent day ACDF from September 2022 to August 2023. The operative time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage, preoperative and postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) scores, neck disability index (NDI) scores, Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores, JOA recovery rate (RR), incidence of dysphagia-related symptoms, 30-day hospital readmission rate, and incidence of other complications were recorded to evaluate early clinical outcomes. Radiography was performed to assess the location of the implants, neurological decompression, and cervical physiological curvature.ResultsAll 33 patients (23 women and 10 men) underwent successful surgery and experienced significant symptomatic and neurological improvements. Among them, 26 patients underwent one-segment ACDF, 5 underwent two-segment ACDF, and 2 underwent three-segment ACDF. The average operative time was 71.1 ± 20.2 min, intraoperative blood loss was 19.1 ± 6.2 mL, and postoperative drainage was 9.6 ± 5.8 mL. The preoperative VAS and NDI scores improved postoperatively (7.1 ± 1.2 vs. 3.1 ± 1.3 and 66.7% ± 4.8% vs. 24.1% ± 2.5%, respectively), with a significant difference (P < 0.01). Moreover, the preoperative JOA scores improved significantly postoperatively (7.7 ± 1.3 vs. 14.2 ± 1.4; P < 0.01) with an RR of 93.9% in good or excellent. Postoperative dysphagia-related symptoms occurred in one patient (3.0%). During the follow-up period, no patient was readmitted within 30 days after discharge; however, an incisional hematoma was reported in one patient on the 6th day after discharge, which was cured by pressure dressing. The postoperative radiographs revealed perfect implant positions and sufficient nerve decompression in all patients. Furthermore, the preoperative cervical physiological curvature improved significantly after the operation (14.5° ± 4.0° vs. 26.3° ± 5.4°; P < 0.01).ConclusionsDay ACDF has good safety and early clinical efficacy, and it could be an appropriate choice for eligible DCS patients.

A COMPARATIVE CLINICAL STUDY ON AGNIKARMA, NIRGUNDYADI UPANAHA, AND SHEPHALIKA KWATHA IN MANAGING GREEVA SANDHI-GATA VATA WITH RESPECT TO CERVICAL SPONDYLOSIS.

Greevasandhigata Vata is a form of Vata Vyadhi caused by the interference or entrance of vitiated Vata in Greeva Sandhi, leading to symptoms like Sandhishoola (pain in joint), Sandhishopa (sweeling in joint), Prasaran Aakunchnayo Pravariticha Savedana (restricted movement of joint) etc. Cervical Spondylosis is one of the leading disorders in older adults caused by degenerative changes in cervical spine vertebrae and causing symptoms like pain &amp; restricted joint movement, etc., in the neck, which further leads to the struggle of the patients to fulfil their daily routine work. Patients of Cervical spondylosis, are bound to choose analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs, steroid injections and physiotherapy as conservative treatments to improve their quality of life. In the advanced stage, surgical treatments like spinal fusion, spinal decompression, etc., are the only options. However, these procedures do not fulfil the goal of patients because of the very high cost and therapeutic limitations. Even after surgery, patients have to take analgesics for longer duration. These drugs are also not free from adverse effects like gastritis, hyperacidity, nephrotoxicity, etc. Treatment modalities like Agnikarma, Nirgundyadi Upanaha and Shephalika Kwatha are the non-pharmacological and result oriented therapies, recommended in Ayurveda for such type of disease condition. These are proven to be Vatashamaka &amp; Vedanashamaka in various contexts.

The influence of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion surgery on cervical muscles and the correlation between related muscle changes and surgical efficacy

BackgroundAnterior cervical discectomy and fusion surgery (ACDF) is a common technique in treating degenerative cervical spondylosis. This study is to evaluate the changes of cervical muscles after ACDF and analyze the correlation between related muscle changes and clinical efficacy.MethodsSixty-five postoperative patients (single-level ACDF) with cervical spondylotic myelopathy from January 2013 to December 2022 were analyzed. The measured parameters include: the axial section of longus colli cross-sectional area (AxCSA), the volume of cervical longus, the ratio of long and short diameter line (RLS), the cervical extensor cross-sectional area (CESA), the vertebral body area (VBA), and the CESA/VBA. The visual analog scale (VAS), modified Japanese Orthopedic Association score (mJOA), and neck disability index (NDI) were evaluated. The changes in muscle morphology were analyzed, and the correlation analysis was conducted between morphological changes and function scores.ResultsThe postoperative AxCSA of surgical segment (3rd month, 12th month, and the last follow-up) was decreased compared to preoperative (141.62 ± 19.78), and the differences were significant (P < 0.05). The corresponding data reduced to (119.42 ± 20.08) mm2, (117.59 ± 19.69) mm2, and (117.41 ± 19.19) mm2, respectively (P < 0.05). The RLS increased, and the volume of cervical longus decreased significantly after surgery (P < 0.05). Negative correlation was found between postoperative volume of cervical longus and VAS at the 3rd month (r = − 0.412), 12th month (r = − 0.272), and last follow-up (r = − 0.391) (P < 0.05). Negative correlation existed between postoperative volume of cervical longus and NDI at the 3rd month (r = − 0.552), 12th month (r = − 0.293), and last follow-up (r = − 0.459) (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe volume of cervical longus decreased and its morphology changed after ACDF surgery. The mainly affected muscle was the cervical longus closing to the surgical segment. Negative correlation was found between the postoperative volume of cervical longus and function scores (VAS and NDI).

Observation on the Clinical Efficacy of Needle Knife Combined with Reduction Technique in the Treatment of Cervical Spondylosis

Observation on the Clinical Efficacy of Needle Knife Combined with Reduction Technique in the Treatment of Cervical Spondylosis

Efficacy of wet cupping in the pain management of cervical spondylosis – A randomized, controlled, open -label, parallel-group clinical trial

Background and objectiveCervical spondylosis is a chronic degenerative process of the cervical spine characterized by pain in neck, degenerative changes in intervertebral disc and osteophyte formation. Cervical spondylosis is translated as Wajaʻ ur Raqaba, a type of joint pain. The present study was aimed to evaluate the effect of wet cupping in the pain management of cervical spondylosis. MethodsThis Open, randomized, controlled, clinical study was conducted on 44 patients. Subjects in the test group (n = 22) received a series of three-staged wet cupping treatment, performed on 0, 7th and 14th day. Subjects in the control group (n = 22) received 12 sittings of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS): 6 sittings per week for two weeks. The objective findings of treatment were assessed with the help of VAS, Neck Disability Index (NDI) and Cervical range of motion. ResultsIntra group comparison in test group from baseline to 21st day were found highly significant (p < 0.001) in terms of VAS, NDI, Flexion, Extension and Left rotation score. While in Right rotation, Left rotation and Left lateral flexion score were found moderately significant (p < 0.01). Statistically significant difference was observed between two groups at 21st day in VAS scale, NDI, and Cervical range of motion score (p < 0.001). Interpretation and conclusionḤijāma Bish Sharṭ was found better in the management of pain due to cervical spondylosis than TENS. It can be concluded that Ḥijāma Bish Sharṭ may a better option for the pain management of cervical spondylosis. Clinical trial registrationThe trial was registered on clinical trial registry website (www.ctri.nic.in) bearing a CTRI Number, CTRI/2020/03/024,249.

Ayurvedic Management of Cervical Myelopathy

Cervical Myelopathy is a condition causing compression of the spinal cord at the cervical level of the spinal cord. It is mostly due to degenerative cervical spondylosis and is hence called Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy. The spinal cord may directly experience compressive and ischemic dysfunction as a result of age-related spondylotic alterations. A 63-year-old male with complaints of gradually progressive weakness in the arms and hands along with numbness, tingling sensation, neck stiffness and pain around the neck region for the last 10 years came to the OPD of our hospital. The management offered by contemporary medicine is not satisfactory. Cervical myelopathy and Greevastambha can be co-related in this case, based on signs and symptoms. This case report demonstrates how the clinical and radiological symptoms of cervical spondylotic myelopathy were alleviated by an Ayurvedic intervention. To confirm these results and incorporate Ayurveda into conventional medicine for spinal cord injuries, more investigation and controlled trials are necessary.

Effects of acupuncture at myofascial trigger points combined with sling exercise therapy on clinical recovery and cervical spine biomechanics in patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy

Objective This research aimed to ascertain the effects of acupuncture at myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in combination with sling exercise therapy (SET) on the clinical recovery and cervical spine biomechanics in patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CRS). Methods Eighty patients with CSR were divided into Group A and Group B. Group A was treated with acupuncture at MTrPs, and Group B was treated with acupuncture at MTrPs combined with SET. The cervical spine function, pain level, cervical spine biomechanics and the occurrence of complications were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. Results After treatment, the Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores, Clinical Assessment Scale for Cervical Spondylosis scores, cervical forward flexion angle, posterior extension angle, left lateral flexion angle, right lateral flexion angle, left lateral rotation angle, and right lateral rotation angle of the Group B were raised, and the Neck Disability index, Visual Analogue Scale scores, and Neck Pain Questionnaire scores were reduced versus those of the Group A. The difference in complication rates between the two groups was not of statistical significance. Conclusion Acupuncture at MTrPs combined with SET promotes functional recovery of the cervical spine, reduces pain, and improves cervical spine biomechanics in patients with CRS.

Emergency Management of Vastivyapath with Oral Administration of Kamadudharasa

Vasti is one among the most widely used therapeutic procedures in Ayurveda especially in neurological and degenerative diseases. Proper guidelines for Panchakarma procedures are laid out in the classics for better outcome and minimal complications. Till date, the guidelines hold value and current practices revolve around the same. Though there are plenty of insights into the benefits of Vasti, minimal information is available about the complications and management. This case report is an attempt to understand how the administration of a Kashaya vasti in a known case of lumbar spondylosis resulted in complication and managed with oral administration of Kamadudharasa. A 64 year old male patient with primary complaint of low back ache developed pain and burning sensation per abdomen after giving Erandamooladi niruhavasti. He went to a state of confusion. Initial management was done using Dhanvantaram gutika, which failed to revive the patient. A single dose of Kamadudha rasa was administered sublingually following which he regained consciousness. This was followed by a reduction in the burning sensation and the patient felt better. On detailed analysis, it was found that the patient had a history of gastritis and was on medication for the same. The Teekshna guna of Erandamuladi vasti probably worsened the state of Pitta in his Koshta and lead to the complications such as Sula, Daha and Moha. A detailed understanding of the selection of the right type of Niruha vasti is necessary for better outcomes. This brings our attention to the importance of Sameekshya bhava and how it plays an important role in deciding the outcome of Panchakarma procedures. Failure to do so may result in Vyapath/complications.

A low‐cost method for testing and analyzing the cervical range of motion

AbstractMeasurement of the cervical range of motion (CROM) is significant for early diagnosis of cervical spondylosis and determination of the severity of the disease. Aiming at the problem of convenient and continuous measurement of CROM and the reduction of the impact of data fluctuations, this paper proposes a low‐cost method for testing and analyzing CROM. This paper analyzes the correspondence between smartphone orientation sensor angle and CROM, obtains smartphone orientation sensing data, and uses the extreme‐point symmetric mode decomposition method by calculating the energy of the difference value to extract the adaptive global mean curve of the CROM data, and calculates the cervical ROM. The statistical analysis of the CROM test results is carried out. Results show that the method proposed can obtain the CROM including flexion and extension, lateral flexion, and rotation in a single measurement, which has the advantages of continuous measurement and low cost.

A Comparative Study of Homoeopathic Decimal Versus Centesimal Potency Medicine in the Treatment of Cervical Spondylosis

Background: Cervical spondylosis (CS) is a degenerative condition of the cervical spine found almost universally in persons over50 years of age. It has become one of the common problems globally.Methods: An experimental study was conducted on 60 patients diagnosed with cervical spondylosis as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria. All 60 cases of cervical spondylosis were randomized into 2 groups of 30 patients each. One group was prescribed with Individualized Homoeopathic medicine in decimal scale potency and the other group was prescribed with centesimal scale potencies of Individualized Homoeopathic medicine. The Remedy Response Evaluation Form was used to assess and interpret the follow up of the patients. The improvement of the patients was assessed by the Neck Disability Index (NDI). Result: Intra-group changes in NDI score were found statistically significant (P &lt; 0.001, unpaired t test) group difference though favored centesimal against decimal. Conclusion: On statistical analysis, the p value was less than 0.001. Hence there is a significant difference between post treatment score of centesimal potency group as compared to decimal potency group. &#x0D;

Effect of topical steroid on soft tissue swelling following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion.

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion is the most commonly used surgical approach for treating cervical spine conditions, but it can often lead to postoperative swallowing difficulties. To retrospectively assess the effects of topical triamcinolone acetonide in the anterior cervical surgery on swallowing function. In this study, a retrospective design was used to select patients aged 18 years and older who were diagnosed with cervical spondylosis and required anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. Among them, the patients in the experimental group used triamcinolone acetonide topically in front of the plate during surgery, and the control group was the patients who did not use triamcinolone acetonide. The sex, age, operation time, operation segment, and preoperative soft tissue area were compared between the two groups. There were no significant differences in gender, age, operation time, and segment between the two groups. For the preoperative soft tissue area, triamcinolone acetonide was significantly lower than in the control group (P < 0.05). The retrospective results of this study support that topical triamcinolone acetonide as a treatment in anterior cervical surgery can significantly reduce soft tissue swelling, and no effect was found on the operation time, postoperative blood loss, and segment. These findings provide an important basis for clinical care teams to make treatment decisions and confirm the effectiveness of triamcinolone acetonide in improving swallowing function. However, there was a possibility of information collection and selection bias due to the limitations of retrospective studies. To confirm and further advance the use of this treatment, more rigorous prospective randomized controlled trials are recommended to validate these preliminary results.

The Use of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment for a Case of Cervical Radiculopathy

Abstract Cervical radiculopathy is a clinical condition related to dysfunction of the cervical spinal nerve roots. Signs and symptoms include unilateral neck, shoulder, or arm pain; paresthesias of the arm, forearm or hand; diminished muscle tendon reflexes, sensory disturbances; and/or muscle weakness. Cervical radiculopathy is primarily a clinical diagnosis with patients reporting a varying degree of pain and/or neurologic dysfunction along a nerve root distribution. In addition to a thorough history, a detailed physical exam including muscle strength testing, deep tendon reflex testing and sensory testing should be performed to determine the nerve root involved and to further help determine a course of action for the patient. The current case report demonstrates the impact of a somatic dysfunction component on underlying pathology of cervical spondylosis, likely driving the symptomatic component of cervical radiculopathy. By eliminating the somatic dysfunction components with the use of osteopathic manipulative treatment, the patient's system was able to function maximally within existing structural limitations and the symptoms resolved.

Trends in Indications and Contraindications for Cervical Disk Arthroplasty from 2009 to 2019.

Cross-sectional study. Assess trends of indications and contraindications for the use of Cervical Disk Arthroplasty (CDA). As spine surgeons become more familiar with CDA, there have been expansions in indications. The Medicare Provider Analysis and Review Limited Data Sets for 2009, 2014, and 2019 were utilized. Patients undergoing elective CDA were included. Diagnosis for index surgery and "contraindications" as defined by original CDA Investigative Device Exemption (IDE) criteria were assessed. Variables were identified by the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-9 or ICD-10 diagnosis and procedural codes. A total of 1067 elective CDA patients were included. There were 230 patients in 2009, 300 patients in 2014, and 537 patients in 2019. The proportion of patients aged >65 increased from 35% to 51% ( P <0.001). Incidence of CDA for radiculopathy increased from 57% to 69% ( P <0.001), myelopathy increased from 23% to 78% ( P <0.001), and spondylosis without radiculopathy or myelopathy decreased from 19% to 3% ( P <0.001). There were increased incidences of ankylosing spondylitis (0.4% to 2.8%, P =0.007), long-term steroid use (1% to 2%, P =0.039), morbid obesity (2% to 6%, P =0.019), and osteoporosis (1% to 5%, P =0.014). The incidence of hybrid CDA and anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) decreased from 28% to 23% ( P =0.007). From 2009 to 2019, the number of CDA performed in older patients increased. An increase in the use of CDA for the treatment of myelopathy and radiculopathy and a decrease in the treatment of isolated cervical spondylosis was observed. The proportion of CDA performed in patients with original IDE trial "contraindications" increased. Further research into the efficacy of CDA for patients with contraindications is warranted.

Bladder Dysfunction and Neurology: How to Assess Neurogenic Bladder Dysfunction?

Here we reviewed bladder dysfunction in neurological diseases. Diseases of the brain cause overactive bladder (OAB); peripheral neuropathy including lumbar spondylosis results in postvoid residual; and spinal cord diseases cause a combination of OAB and postvoid residual. Multiple system atrophy mimics bladder dysfunction related to spinal cord disease. Conversely, in cases of bladder dysfunction of unknown etiologies, the underlying disease can be identified by the bladder dysfunction pattern. Aging also causes nocturnal polyuria. The collaboration between neurologists and urologists is highly recommended to maximize the quality of life of neurological patients.

Changes in cervical sagittal balance following anterior cervical discectomy with fusion.

Change in the sagittal balance after anterior cervical discectomy with fusion (ACDF) is a phenomenon that has not yet been sufficiently studied. The aim of this study was to assess such changes. 28 patients who underwent ACDF for cervical spondylosis were examined. The study was divided into three stages: preoperative, early postoperative, and late postoperative. Sagittal alignments were analysed based on X-ray AP and lateral images: angles C1-C7, C2-C7, C1-C2, C1-C4, C4-C7 and cervical sagittal vertical axis (cSVA). The cervical lordosis C2-C7 decreased by 13% in early monitoring, after which it increased by 60% in the late postoperative phase. Post hoc analysis showed that the measured values between early and late postoperative monitoring differed significantly. Cervical sagittal vertical axis (cSVA) increased by 23% in early control and then decreased by 18% in the late postoperative phase. Post hoc analysis showed that the measured values significantly differed between preoperative and early postoperative monitoring, and between early and late postoperative monitoring. We have shown that the long-term effect of ACDF is correction of the sagittal balance of the cervical spine. Immediately after the procedure, a disturbance in the cervical spine curvature to the morphology of the entire spine is observed.

Application of five-tone music therapy combined Wu Qin Xi exercise in nursing of patients with cervical spondylosis

Application of five-tone music therapy combined Wu Qin Xi exercise in nursing of patients with cervical spondylosis

Efficacy of Daiwenjiu ointment on the treatment of cervical spondylosis with nerve root type caused by cold dampness obstruction

Objective This study aimed to assess the clinical efficacy of Daiwenjiu ointment in the treatment of cervical spondylosis with cold dampness obstruction nerve root type. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on a cohort of 110 patients diagnosed with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy. Based on the treatment method, the patients were divided into two groups. The control group received electroacupuncture treatment, while the observation group received a combination of Daiwenjiu ointment and electroacupuncture treatment. The outcome measures included Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores for cervical spine function, Simplified McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ) scores, and changes in serum inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-1β. Results Following treatment, the JOA score in the observation group increased from 9.45 ± 1.35 to 14.82 ± 1.29 after treatment, indicating better recovery of cervical spine function compared to the control group (p < 0.001). The SF-MPQ score in the observation group decreased to 18.25 ± 3.80 after treatment, while it remained at 30.20 ± 4.30 in the control group. This difference between the groups was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the observation group demonstrated a significant decrease in serum levels of TNF-α and IL-1β after treatment compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Conclusion Daiwenjiu ointment exhibits significant therapeutic effects in patients with cold dampness obstruction nerve root type cervical spondylosis. It effectively improves cervical function, reduces pain, and downregulates inflammatory cytokine levels.

Assessment of Forward Head Posture in Information Technology Employees with Neck Pain: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Neck pain is the most common complaint that we deal with in orthopedics, most of which are information technology (IT) professionals. These individuals have vocational mismanagement which leads to high incidence of forward head posture (FHP).&#x0D; Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out from January 2019 to June 2019 during which a total of 300 patients were taken into study. Clinical assessment of neck pain, head posture, range of motion (ROM), and radiological assessment of craniovertebral angle (CVA) and anterior head translation (AHT) was done.&#x0D; Results: Out of 300 patients, the majority of the patients were men. On average, men used computers for 9.6 hours compared to 9.2 hours for women. The average CVA was higher in women (58.8). The average AHT was more in men (22.9).&#x0D; Conclusion: As compared with the previous literature, our study showed that 84.3% of male and 92.91% of female participants had FHP. CVA was lower, while AHT was higher in both groups than the usual range. The mean AHT in our sample was 18.8 mm, which was found to be aberrant in the prior research studies. In our study, we have found a negative correlation between the CVA and AHT, resulting in FHP, which can furthermore lead to early changes of cervical spondylosis in IT employees, probably due to long hours of desktop usage resulting in fixed postural habit.