Have you experienced neck pain and discomfort accompanied by dizziness and headache? These signs may indicate cervical spondylosis, a concern often called neck arthritis. Spondylosis is age-concerned wear and tear of the spinal bones. It is a common problem, and about 25% of people under 40 experience it. This number continues to grow with age-related incidence.
The data above highlights the importance of understanding this condition, its symptoms, causes, and treatment routes. Let us discuss all this below.
What Is Cervical Spondylosis?
Cervical spondylosis is a natural, degenerative change in the intervertebral disc. Cervical refers to the seven vertebrae in your neck, while spondylosis describes the gradual deterioration that affects your spine. As the spinal discs lose moisture and shrink, signs of osteoarthritis may also appear, such as the formation of bone spurs.
Cervical spondylosis may be asymptotic. However, in most cases, it leads to several crucial symptoms.
Symptoms of Cervical Spondylosis
Cervical spondylosis symptoms can manifest in various ways, with major signs often varying from person to person. The most common symptoms can be:
- Neck pain or stiffness: Often worsens with specific activities or after holding the neck in one position for a long time.
- Headaches: Typically occur at the back of the head.
- Popping sensation: A feeling of grinding or popping when turning the neck.
- Numbness or tingling: It can occur in the arms, hands, legs, or feet, indicating potential nerve compression.
- Weakness: Reduced strength in the arms, hands, legs, or feet, which may affect coordination and mobility.
- Loss of balance: In severe cases, this can lead to difficulties in walking or performing daily activities.
Identifying these symptoms is necessary for early intervention and preventing further progression of cervical spondylosis. In the next section, let's discuss the causes to understand what leads to this problem.
What Causes Cervical Spondylosis?
The development of cervical spondylosis is primarily influenced by the aging process, but several other factors can contribute to its onset. Here’s a breakdown of the key causes:
- Aging and repetitive neck strain: Over time, the discs in the spine lose moisture and elasticity, leading to shrinkage and the formation of bone spurs.
- Genetic predisposition: A family history of neck or spine problems can increase your risk of cervical spondylosis.
- Previous neck injuries: Past trauma to the neck can contribute to early degeneration of the cervical spine.
- Sedentary living: Lack of regular exercise can weaken the neck muscles, making them more susceptible to strain and injury.
These causes can help you identify risk factors and make informed choices about your spine health. Next, we’ll see who is most at risk for developing cervical spondylosis.
Risk Factors Leading to Cervical Spondylosis
Cervical spondylosis can affect individuals differently based on various risk factors. Knowing these factors is necessary as it can help in understanding who is more likely to develop the condition:
- Occupation: Jobs that involve repetitive neck movements or heavy lifting can increase the risk of cervical spondylosis.
- Family history: A genetic predisposition to neck or spine problems can make you more susceptible to the condition.
- Lifestyle factors: Smoking and a sedentary routine can increase the risk of developing cervical spondylosis by weakening the neck muscles.
- Age: People over the age of 60 are more likely to develop cervical spondylosis due to the natural aging process.
- Previous injuries: Having prior neck injuries can contribute to the early onset of cervical spondylosis.
How to Diagnose Cervical Spondylosis?
Diagnosing cervical spondylosis involves a complete evaluation by a healthcare provider, combining physical assessments with imaging tests. Here are some of the steps involved in the procedure:
- Physical examination: Your doctor will assess your neck’s range of motion, check for tenderness, and evaluate muscle strength and reflexes in your limbs.
- Patient history: A detailed history of your symptoms and any previous neck injuries will be taken to identify potential risk factors.
- X-rays: These can show bone spurs and other changes in the spine, such as disc height loss, which are common in cervical spondylosis.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): An MRI provides detailed images of soft tissues, including discs and nerves, helping to identify any nerve compression or herniated discs.
- CT scan (Computed Tomography): A CT scan presents a more detailed view of the spinal bones and is used if an MRI is unsuitable.
These diagnostic methods help identify cervical spondylosis and determine its extent. With a clear diagnosis, your healthcare provider can develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Can You Cure Spondylosis Permanently? What Are Its Treatment Options?
While cervical spondylosis cannot be permanently cured, there are useful options that can help manage symptoms and improve your quality of life. Cervical spondylosis treatment aims to relieve pain, improve neck mobility, and prevent further progression of the condition. Here are some of the usual treatment options:
- Physical therapy: Exercises and stretches specifically designed to strengthen the neck muscles and improve posture can reduce pain and stiffness.
- Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and muscle relaxants can help manage symptoms. In some cases, prescription medications may be necessary.
- Steroid injections: Corticosteroid injections can relieve inflammation and provide relief from severe pain, particularly if nerve compression is involved.
- Lifestyle modifications: Regular exercise, maintaining good posture, and avoiding activities that strain the neck are essential for managing long-term effects.
- Surgery: In severe cases where conservative treatments fail, surgery may be required to remove bone spurs, herniated discs, or other structures compressing the nerves or spinal cord.
Treatment options for cervical spondylosis help in reducing its symptoms. However, the discomfort can be further reduced by avoiding sudden movements and excessive stress. Let us see this below.
What Should Be Avoided in Cervical Spondylosis?
Cervical spondylosis can be a lifelong condition, and it should be managed effectively to prevent its worsening. Avoiding certain activities can help:
- Heavy lifting: Avoid lifting heavy objects, as it can put additional strain on your neck and worsen symptoms.
- Poor posture: Maintain good posture, particularly when sitting for long periods or working at a desk.
- Repetitive neck movements: Limit activities that involve frequent or repetitive neck movements, as they can aggravate the condition.
- Prolonged static positions: Avoid holding your neck in one position for extended periods, such as looking down at a phone or computer screen.
- High-impact activities: Steer clear of activities that involve high-impact or sudden movements, which can increase pain and discomfort.
Pain-Free Living with Cervical Spondylosis
Cervical spondylosis causes pain, discomfort, and disruption in an individual’s daily routine. Thus, managing this condition is necessary. With a comprehensive approach that includes pain management, regular exercise, avoiding strenuous activities, and physical therapy when needed, one can continue having a productive life.
Start Your Recovery with Apex Interventional Pain & Spine
Are you dealing with neck pain and loss of movement due to cervical spondylosis? Find long-term relief and improved spinal health at Apex Interventional Pain & Spine. We understand that each individual needs a different approach to treating pain conditions like cervical spondylosis. Discover personalized care that adapts to your needs and helps you live pain-free. Request an appointment today.
