Duration of a cervical spine syndrome

introduction

The duration of a cervical spine syndrome can vary greatly. Depending on the cause of the symptoms, the period of an acute syndrome can range from days to three weeks. Prompt treatment helps to reduce the duration of the cervical spine syndrome.

With a chronic syndrome, the duration of the symptoms is present over a longer period of time (at least 3 months). The transition phase between acute and chronic cervical spine syndrome is called subacute syndrome.

Duration of an acute cervical spine syndrome

An acute cervical spine syndrome occurs e.g. in accidents and vertebral blockages. By definition, we speak of an acute cervical spine syndrome if the symptoms do not last longer than three weeks.
Smaller blockages and tension due to poor posture, such as during long car journeys or flights, can be treated with appropriate therapeutic measures within three weeks.

A central point, however, is that those affected urgently need to work against further complaints with exercises and changes in posture.

Read more on the topic: Acute cervical spine syndrome

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Duration of chronic cervical spine syndrome

A chronic cervical spine syndrome is when the symptoms persist for more than 3 months. The origin can be an acute or subacute cervical spine syndrome that could not be treated.

More often, however, the cause of the complaints lies in processes that have lasted for years, such as wear and tear and poor posture. Once a cervical spine syndrome has passed into a chronic stage, it is very possible that the symptoms will never go away completely. The patient has a high level of personal responsibility here. The more the person concerned trains alone and / or with a trainer, monitors his posture and keeps moving, the more likely it is that the symptoms can be kept to a minimum.

Over the years, many patients have known best what tricks they can use to get their symptoms under control. In some patients, there may also be a recurrent (recurring) cervical spine syndrome. Over the years, the patients have repeatedly and selectively complaints for short periods of time, which they can get under control with appropriate therapy and their own exercises. Even if a chronic cervical spine syndrome has been known for months and years, a doctor should be consulted in the event of acute deterioration or change in symptoms.

More on this:

  • Chronic cervical spine syndrome
  • Degenerative changes in the spine

How long does the dizziness last?

In the cervical spine syndrome, dizziness is caused by pressure on nerve cords.
The duration of the occurrence is often between a few minutes and hours. In the case of acute tension and blockages, the dizziness can disappear almost immediately or in up to a few days when the blockages and tension are released.

However, dizziness can reappear if there is renewed tension and blockages. Again, prevention is through e.g. Posture changes central. If dizziness occurs in a chronic cervical spine syndrome, it is usually not completely treatable; means he kicks again and again.The duration can also last from a few minutes to hours. However, courses over longer phases are also possible.

Read more on the topic:

  • Cervical spine syndrome and dizziness
  • Cervical spine syndrome and nausea

How long do the visual disturbances last?

Visual disturbances can occur in the cervical spine syndrome due to the interruption of the blood supply to the eye, e.g. arise on the carotids (carotid arteries) or vertebral arteries.
The symptoms can last for a few seconds to minutes. Leaving a stressful situation or relaxation often helps to reduce the symptoms. However, there are also cases in which those affected complain of permanent visual impairment over several weeks and months. In both situations, a medical examination is essential in order to avert potentially dangerous processes and to exclude other causes.

Read more on the topic: Cervical spine syndrome and visual impairment

Duration of therapy

Therapy for acute cervical spine syndrome takes days to weeks and includes medication, physiotherapy treatments and posture training. Even after the acute symptoms have subsided, it is urgently advisable to continue physical training and this can prevent the recurrence of the corresponding problems.

In the case of a chronic cervical spine syndrome, therapy consists primarily of long-term support for doctors and therapists to train and practice independently. In the case of acute deterioration and problems, the principles of the treatment of acute cervical spine syndrome are used.
In the case of chronic cervical spine syndrome, long-term medication with painkillers (e.g. ibuprofen, diclofenac) can be useful for regular pain. The therapy of a chronic cervical spine syndrome almost always lasts. By regularly performing independently learned exercises, the patient prevents how the worsening of the symptoms can be counteracted.

Read more on the topic:

  • Treatment of cervical spine syndrome
  • Exercises for a cervical spine syndrome

Length of sick leave

In the case of an acute cervical spine syndrome, the sick leave can be set for days to weeks. This varies greatly from person to person and depends on the causes and feelings of the patient. Excessive rest should be avoided during sick leave, as exercise is an important pillar of recovery.
In the case of chronic and recurrent cervical spine syndromes, a short-term sick leave can be made. If there are repeated complaints, relapses and absences due to professional activity, retraining can be considered. The attending physician is also the right contact here.

Also read: Cervical Spine Syndrome - Effects and Consequences