Cervical spondylosis is a condition that occurs as a result of changes in the spinal discs in the neck due to aging. Cervical spondylosis is so common; it is estimated that it affects about 85 percent of people over the age of 60, according to American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Causes
Your spine is made up of 24 vertebrae, which have discs in between them. The discs are important because they absorb some of the pressure on the spine. As you age, changes in the discs occur. The discs may weaken, dry out or breakdown. When this occurs, bone may rub against bone and cause pain.
There is not a specific activity or injury that causes cervical spondylosis. Instead, it is just a gradual wear and tear of the spine that occurs. Although changes in the cervical spine occur in most people as they age, having a previous cervical injury increases your risk of developing cervical spondylosis.
Symptoms and Natural History
A large number of people who have cervical spondylosis do not experience symptoms. In fact, they may not even know they have age-related changes in their cervical spine.
When symptoms do occur, they include pain and stiffness in the neck. Symptoms may be mild and progressively become worse. Rarely, cervical spondylosis can lead to a more serious condition involving pinching of the nerve roots. If this occurs, additional symptoms, such as a loss of bladder control and difficulty walking may occur.
Diagnosis
After a review of symptoms, your doctor will do an exam and check the range of motion in your neck. An x-ray may be ordered, which can show bone spurs that may be pressing on a nerve.
Additional tests may be ordered. For example, a myelogram uses a dye, which is injected into the spinal column to get a more detailed CT image of the cervical spine. Nerve functions tests may also be advised to determine if the nerve signals are traveling adequately through your muscles.
Self-help Treatments for Cervical Spondylosis
Pain related to cervical spondylosis often responds well to self-help treatments. Modifying activities that cause neck pain may help prevent symptoms. Applying heat or ice may also improve sore neck muscles and decrease stiffness.
Standard Clinical Treatments for Cervical Spondylosis
If self-help treatments are not enough to improve symptoms, medications may be used to treat cervical spondylosis. There are different classes of medication including muscle relaxants and pain relievers. Oral steroids are also sometimes used to decrease inflammation.
Another option used to treat cervical spondylosis is a cervical epidural block, which is injected into the epidural space to decrease pain. Surgery is not needed in most cases of cervical spondylosis. But if a nerve is being pinched by a bone spur, surgery may be performed.
Sources
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Cervical Spondylosis. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00369
Spine Health. Cervical Osteoarthritis. http://www.spine-health.com/conditions/arthritis/cervical-osteoarthritis-neck-arthritis
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