Cervical Spondylosis

Cervical spondylosis is a type of arthritic (osteoarthritic) degeneration that affects the neck.

The process of degeneration, involving the bones and discs progresses and accumulates with time and is considered age-related.

As the intervening intervertebral discs become thinner during this process, bony lipping develops around the rim of the adjacent vertebral bones, often called bony spurs but more accurately called Osteophytes. These osteophytes can commonly irritate the exiting nerves, causing arm pain, but can also compress the spinal cord if large enough.

Although we all develop this condition with age, many do not develop significant symptoms—you may not even be aware that these changes are going on in your neck.

Symptoms

• Pain in the neck that may travel to your arms or shoulders
• A grinding feeling when you move your neck
• Weakness in your arms and legs
• Numbness in your shoulders, arms, or hands
• Stiffness in the neck
• Trouble keeping your balance
• Trouble controlling your bladder or bowels

Diagnosis

Careful discussion of symptoms and general cervical and upper limb examination. Imaging studies may be requested. X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans all provide information.

These can show the bones, disks, muscles, and nerves in and around your neck and spinal cord.