What are treatment options for cervicogenic dysphagia?

Treatment options for cervicogenic dysphagia depend on the underlying cause and severity of the condition.

The primary goal of treatment is to address the cervical spine or neck-related issues that are contributing to swallowing difficulties.

Here are some common treatment approaches:

1. Physical Therapy:
   • Physical therapists can develop a customized treatment plan to improve neck muscle strength and coordination, as well as address any postural issues.
   • Therapists may use exercises, manual therapy, and techniques to enhance swallowing function.
2. Medications:
   • In some cases, doctors may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or muscle relaxants to reduce pain and inflammation associated with cervicogenic dysphagia.
3. Dysphagia Therapy:
   • Speech-language pathologists can provide dysphagia therapy, which focuses on improving swallowing techniques and managing symptoms.
   • This therapy may include exercises to enhance tongue and throat muscle strength and coordination.
4. Postural Training:
   • Correcting poor neck posture and providing guidance on maintaining a healthy posture can be essential in reducing cervical spine strain and associated dysphagia.
5. Lifestyle Modifications:
   • Doctors may advise patients to make specific lifestyle changes, such as adjusting their eating habits, taking smaller bites, and avoiding foods that are difficult to swallow.
6. Surgical Intervention:
   • In rare cases, surgical procedures may be considered to address the underlying cervical spine issues, such as removing bone spurs, correcting structural abnormalities, or decompressing nerve roots that are contributing to dysphagia.

The choice of treatment depends on the specific diagnosis and the severity of the condition.

A healthcare professional, often a neurologist, otolaryngologist, or speech-language pathologist, will evaluate the patient’s condition and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

Treatment options for Cervicogenic Dysphagia

If you experience difficulty swallowing, it’s crucial to seek medical evaluation to rule out any ENT, respiratory and cardiovascular pathologies. Our team will be happy to provide a thorough neck health examination once others causes have been ruled out.

At PhysioFit of NC, we have the expert team in cervical spine conditions to help you to the fullest.

We provide a comprehensive treatment approach through our Neck Alignment Program. This includes manual therapy and exercises to improve neck posture, improve sagittal positioning and promote proper stability. The primary goal of treatment is to address the underlying cervical spine issues that are giving you symptoms.

Don’t hesitate to contact us today so we can help you!