A Quick Look into Cervical Spondylosis

Cervical spondylosis, also known as arthritis of the neck, is a general term that refers to the wear and strain that affects the cervical spine. Your neck may experience stiffness, pain, or achy sensation if you are confronting cervical spondylosis. Healthcare providers are unable to cure these medical conditions; however, they can certainly prevent them from deteriorating.

Cervical spondylosis is exceedingly prevalent. The prevalence of this condition exceeds 85% among people over the age of 60. Although many people with cervical spondylosis do not exhibit any discernible symptoms, the condition most frequently results in neck pain and stiffness. Conservative treatment, which includes both physical therapy and medication, typically works well for cervical spondylosis.

Occasionally, cervical spondylosis leads to a constriction of the spinal canal within the bones of the spine. It is important to note that the spinal canal is the space within the vertebrae through which the spinal cord and nerve roots travel to reach the remainder of the body.

If the spinal cord or nerve roots become pinched, you may experience a variety of symptoms, including paralysis, tingling, and weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet, as well as difficulty walking and a lack of coordination. Additionally, you may experience a loss of bladder or bowel control.

You may be curious about the possible causes of cervical spondylosis. Changes in the spine that occur as we age are the most prevalent cause. Changes may encompass medical conditions such as osteoarthritis, degenerative disk disease, herniated disks, bone spurs, and spinal stenosis.

Cervical spondylosis is associated with an elevated risk of developing cervical myelopathy. This occurs when an object compresses the spinal cord in the neck. Additionally, it exacerbates cervical radiculopathy, which is a condition characterized by a constricted nerve in the neck.

How can the physician diagnose this medical condition prior to requesting that you begin treatment? A physical examination will be conducted by a healthcare provider, who will also inspect the neck for any lumps or knots. They may check your neck flexibility, muscle strength, reflexes in your hands, arms, legs, and gait.

To obtain detailed images or photographs of your spine and to check on your skeletal muscles and nerves, your provider may administer a variety of tests. X-ray, Computed tomography (CT) scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, Myelogram, Electromyography, and Nerve conduction study are among the tests that may be administered.

Your physician may prescribe a combination of medications to alleviate both inflammation and pain during the initial phase of treatment. This comprises oral corticosteroids, muscle relaxants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS), and acetaminophen.