Cervical Spondylosis

Cervical spondylosis or arthritis of the neck may occur in people over 50 years of age, as the result of normal wear and tear of the body. Problems may include bone spurs, spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal column) and injuries (compression). Pain may be mild or severe, possibly leading to crippling dysfunction. To view all the information on cervical spondylosis please view the following : non-surgical treatment and surgical treatment.

Symptoms
Cervical spondylosis can cause chronic pain and stiffness in the neck that can also radiate into the arms (radiculopathy).

• Neck pain may be worse during upright activity.
• Numbness and weakness may be experienced in the arms, hands and fingers. Weakness in the legs may cause difficulties in walking.
• Grinding or popping noises in the neck may be noticed with movement
• Muscle spasms or headaches may originate in the neck.

These symptoms may make you feel irritable and tired, disturb your sleep and interfere with your work.

Medical Examination

• A complete medical history, including illnesses and injuries, will help your doctor rule will out other conditions that may mimic cervical spondylosis. Describe the exact location of neck pain, when it occurs and how it feels. Also, tell him or her if you have ever injured your neck or been previously treated for neck pain.
• The doctor may check for tender spots along the back of your neck, evaluate your ability to more the neck in various directions, test your reflexes and the function of nerves and muscles in arms and legs, and watch how you walk.
• X-rays and MRI studies may be ordered to show bone spurs and other abnormalities causing problems. Sometimes, the doctor may want you to see a neurologist for evaluation.

Treatment options - Non-surgical and surgical

Non-surgical

If symptoms are mild, the doctor may recommend a variety of non-surgical treatments.

• Rest. You may need to wear a soft cervical collar or neck brace to limit neck motion and relieve nerve irritation.
• Medication. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) or other non-narcotic pain relievers may be prescribed to relieve pain and reduce swelling.
• Physical therapy . An easy-to-use cervical traction device, hot and cold therapy or active exercise program may help relieve symptoms. Neck-strengthening, neck and shoulder stretching and aerobic exercises may be recommended. Gentle massage and posture improvements may also help.
  

Surgical

Surgery may be needed to relieve severed pain that does not improve with other treatments or if other neurological symptoms appear. Surgical removal of bone spurs or disk material may provide lasting relief.