Cervical Spondylosis: An Overview

Cervical spondylosis is a general term for age-related wear and tear affecting the spinal disks in your neck. As disks dehydrate and shrink, signs of osteoarthritis develop, including bony projections along the edges of bones (bone spurs). It is a very common condition that worsens with age.

Symptoms

For most people, cervical spondylosis causes no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they typically include pain or stiffness in the neck. Sometimes, cervical spondylosis results in a narrowing of the space needed by the spinal cord and the nerve roots that pass through the spine to the rest of the body. If the spinal cord or nerve roots become pinched, you might experience:

• Tingling, numbness, and weakness in your arms, hands, legs, or feet.
• Lack of coordination and difficulty walking.
• Loss of bladder or bowel control.
• A grinding noise or sensation when you turn your neck.

Causes and Risk Factors

As you age, the bones and cartilage that make up your backbone and neck gradually develop wear and tear. These changes can include:

• Dehydrated disks: Spinal disks act as cushions between the vertebrae of your spine. By age 40, most people's spinal disks begin drying out and shrinking, which allows more bone-on-bone contact.
• Herniated disks: Aging also affects the exterior of your spinal disks. Cracks may appear, leading to bulging or herniated disks, which can press on the spinal cord and nerve roots.
• Bone spurs: Disk degeneration often leads the spine to produce extra amounts of bone in a misguided effort to strengthen the spine. These bone spurs can pinch the spinal cord and nerve roots.
• Stiff ligaments: Ligaments are the tough cords that connect bone to bone. Spinal ligaments can become stiffer with age, making your neck less flexible.

Diagnosis

To diagnose cervical spondylosis, a healthcare provider may perform a physical exam to test your reflexes and muscle strength. Imaging tests are often used to confirm the diagnosis, including:

• X-rays: To check for bone spurs and other abnormalities.
• CT scans: To provide more detailed images of the neck.
• MRI scans: To help pinpoint pinched nerves or spinal cord compression.

Treatment Options

Treatment for cervical spondylosis depends on the severity of the signs and symptoms. The goal is to relieve pain and help you maintain your usual activities. Conservative treatments include:

• Physical therapy: Exercises to help stretch and strengthen the muscles in your neck and shoulders.
• Medications: Muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatory drugs, or mild pain relievers.
• Soft cervical collar: Wearing a collar for short periods may allow neck muscles to rest, though long-term use is generally discouraged as it may weaken the neck muscles.

If your condition is severe and doesn't respond to other forms of treatment, surgery may be necessary. Surgical procedures may involve removing a herniated disk or bone spurs, or fusing a segment of the neck using a bone graft and metal hardware.

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

For mild cases, you can take steps to manage the condition:

• Regular exercise: Keeping your neck muscles strong and flexible can help reduce pain.
• Heat or cold therapy: Applying heat or ice to the neck can help soothe sore muscles.
• Good posture: Whether sitting, standing, or walking, maintaining proper alignment of the spine is crucial for reducing neck strain.

If you experience sudden numbness or weakness in your shoulders, arms, or legs, or if you lose bowel or bladder control, you should seek medical attention immediately.