Q: I am 39 years old. I have been diagnosed with early osteoarthritis changes marked on C5 and C6 vertebrae. I have been advised physiotherapy and no pillow. However, I have started using a cervical pillow. But I feel uneasy while using it. Is cervical pillow useful and advisable in my case?

A:Early changes in cervical spine can be due to faulty posture while working or in day today life, habits of sitting in slouch position, leaning on one side etc. If you are working on computers see that the height of monitor should be approximately at eye level. Make a cylinderical role of soft towel and keep it under hollow of your neck when lying on your back. Don't use a thick pillow. Try doing resisted exercises of neck and cervical spine. If pain persists you need to take 10 sittings of short wave diathermy and traction. Wish you a speedy recovery.