Factors Associated With Good Outcomes Following Conservative Treatment of Cervical Spondylosis

Vollständiger Abstract

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Background: Cervical Spondylosis (CS) is a common degenerative condition that contributes substantially to chronic neck pain and functional disability. Although conservative treatment is routinely used, clinical outcomes vary widely among patients. This study aims to determine the factors associated with good outcomes following conservative management of cervical spondylosis in adults attending a tertiary-care hospital. Materials and methods: A prospective observational study was conducted among adults aged 35–70 years with radiographically confirmed CS. Participants received either standard conservative treatment or a structured home-based isometric neck exercise programme in addition to standard care. Pain intensity and disability were assessed at baseline and after 6 weeks using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Neck Pain Disability Index (NPDI). A good outcome was defined as ³ 30% reduction in VAS score from baseline. Sociodemographic and clinical variables were compared between good- and poor-outcome groups. Results: A total of 110 participants completed the 6-week follow-up (Mean age 52.1±7.6 years, 50.9% male). After 6 weeks, 56.4% achieved a good outcome. Participants with poor outcomes had significantly longer symptom duration, higher baseline disability and markedly lower participation in the isometric exercise programme. Multivariable analysis showed that increasing age (AOR 1.10, 95% CI 1.01–2.41) longer symptom duration (AOR 2.62, 95% CI 1.12–8.66) higher baseline NPDI percentage (AOR 1.89, 95% CI 1.01–4.05) and not performing isometric exercises (AOR 5.40, 95% CI 2.11–16.08) were independently associated with poor outcomes. Conclusion: More favourable outcomes following conservative management of cervical spondylosis are linked to younger age, shorter symptom duration, lower baseline disability and adherence to an isometric neck exercise programme. Incorporating structured isometric exercises into routine conservative care may substantially improve patient recovery. JCMCTA 2026 ; 37 (1) : 158-163