Cervical Spondylosis

Cervical spondylosis, also known as cervical osteoarthritis, is a chronic condition wherein there is a degeneration of the bones and cartilage of the cervical vertebrae, or the neck, as well as the cushions, or cervical disks, between the vertebrae. This may also be accompanied by ‘spurs’ or abnormal growths on the bones of the neck. As the degeneration worsens, one or more of the nerves in the area may get compressed. This can result in pain in that area of the neck as well as the arms, plus a change in sensation, and weakness. When cervical spondylosis becomes advanced, it can even affect the spinal cord itself, then, apart from the arms, even the legs are affected.

Cervical spondylosis usually starts appearing in women and men once they cross their 40s, and with aging the condition progresses. Although both sexes are affected by it, generally it occurs earlier in men compared to women.

When the cervical spondylosis is mild it usually does not require any treatment or can be ameliorated by conservative treatment, such as taking medication to relieve the pain or using a neck brace. However, if the condition is more severe, especially when pressure is created on the spinal cord or nerves, the treatment may include stronger medications, or neck traction, or even surgery.

What are the Causes of Cervical Spondylosis?

With aging, the spinal disks lose their elasticity and become drier. Degeneration may result in a few of the disks bulging, and sometimes even lead to the central cartilage in them protruding through a crack that occurs in the ring surrounding the disk, referred to as herniated disk. The ligaments surrounding it may lose their flexibility, and, as has been mentioned above, spurs may also form on the vertebrae.

This kind of degeneration may be due to wear and tear all through life. A neck injury in the past may also predispose some people to cervical spondylosis, although aging is the main cause of this degenerative disease. By the age of 60, 85 percent of men and 70 percent of women begin showing evidence of cervical spondylosis on x-ray.

Some of the other causes of cervical spondylosis include bad posture, occupational hazard, body type, and life style.

What are the Symptoms and Signs of Cervical Spondylosis?

Stiffness and pain in the neck which become worse progressively could be a symptom of cervical spondylosis. The pain could be mild or severe, resulting in debilitation. It may last for many months before it improves, or it could become chronic. Some of the other symptoms of cervical spondylosis are:

• Weakness or numbness in the hands, fingers and the arms.
• Pain in the neck that spreads to the shoulders as well as the arms.
• Headaches that spread to the rear side of the head.
• Losing one’s balance.
• If there is pressure on the spinal cord, weakness or numbness in the legs.
• If there is compression on the spinal cord, a loss of bowel or bladder control.

How can Cervical Spondylosis be Treated?

If cervical spondylosis is not treated, the symptoms may either stabilize or reduce, or could become worse. The aim of any treatment is preventing permanent injury to the spinal nerves and cord as well as to relieve the pain.

Treating mild cases of Cervical Spondylosis

• Wearing a cervical collar or neck brace in the day time in order to lessen the motion of the neck as well as to reduce irritation to the nerves.
• Taking anti-inflammatory drugs that are nonsteroidal like ibuprofen in order to provide relief for the pain.
• A physical therapist may also prescribe exercises to strengthen the muscles of the neck as well as stretch the shoulders and neck. Water aerobics or walking may also help in relieving the condition.

Treating more severe cases of Cervical Spondylosis

• Being hospitalized, involving bed rest as well as neck traction for one week or perhaps two, in order to immobilize the cervical spine completely and lessen the pressure of the nerves in the spine.
• Being prescribed muscle relaxants like cyclobenzaprine or methocarbamol, especially if there are spasms in the muscles of the neck. And, being prescribed narcotic medications to provide relief for acute pain.
• Corticosteroid injections may be administered between the facet joints. A local anesthetic may also be given to lessen the inflammation and pain.

Using Surgery to treat Cervical Spondylosis

In order to relieve the pressure on the spinal cord or the spinal nerves, which does not respond to the conservative treatment mentioned above, or in case the neurological symptoms, like weakness in the arms or legs, get worse, the doctor may prescribe surgery. The surgical procedure used will be dependent on the underlying condition, like spinal stenosis or bone spurs.