Cervical Spondylosis

Cervical Spondylosis is also known as Cervical Osteoarthritis. Cervical Spondylosis is characterized by chronic degeneration of the bones of the neck and the vertebrae discs. Degeneration of the facet joints, spinal nerves and spinal cord also causes Cervical Spondylosis.

It is observed that age, sports injuries and accidents are the most common causes that lead to wear and tear of bones around the neck region. Cervical Spondylosis is known to affect people above 40 years of age. Men are susceptible to Cervical Spondylosis at an earlier age as compared to women. In U.S, Cervical Spondylosis is also the most common cause of spinal cord dysfunction among patients above 55 years of age.

If Cervical Spondylosis is left untreated it can cause severe damage to the spinal cord and spinal nerves which can impair mobility and the ability to function normally.

Symptoms

The common symptoms associated with Cervical Spondylosis are:

Severe pain in the neck region
Neck pain leads to pain in shoulders and arms
Loss of sensation in neck, shoulders, arms and fingers
Instability
Lack of bowel or bladder control

Causes

The common causes associated with Cervical Spondylosis are:

Aging
Degeneration of bones, discs, ligaments etc.
Disc Herniation
Injuries
Accidents

Diagnosis and Treatment

Cervical Spondylosis can be diagnosed through:

Nerve Function Tests
Neck or Spinal X ray
CT Scan
MRI Scan
Myelogram

Cervical Spondylosis can be treated through both surgical and non surgical methods depending upon the extent of the injury.

Non Surgical methods include:

Neck Braces
Exercises
Physiotherapy
Medications, e.g. NSAIDS, Ketoprofen 20% cream
Rest and rehabilitation

Known surgical methods are:

Laminectomy
Corpectomy
Laminoplasty