Cervical Spondylosis

Cervical Spondylosis

Spondylosis or spinal osteoarthritis is a degenerative disorder that may leads to loss of normal spinal structure and function. Spondylosis may affect the cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), or lumbar (low back) regions of the spine. Cervical /Neck (Cervical Spondylosis) and lumbar /low back (lumbar Spondylosis) are commonly seen. 

Causes:

Wear and tear of the cartilage and bones in neck is the main cause for cervical spondylosis. This could be due to:

• Age - elderly persons are more prone to develop spondylosis

• Dehydrated or drying spinal discs, reducing the space between two neck bones

• Herniated disc

• Injury to the neck

• Stiffer ligaments in the neck

• Overuse of spine

• Repetitive stress such as holding the neck in an uncomfortable position for long duration

Symptoms:

Cervical Spondylosis symptoms may include:

• Pain in shoulder region.

• Neck pain and stiffness.

• Headaches (back of the head).

• Radiating pain along the arm and fingers.

• Numbness or tingling sensation in the shoulder and arms.

• Muscle weakness.

• Increasing pain during sitting, standing, sneezing, coughing, or backward bending of the neck .

• Loss of balance and control over bladder and bowel movements.

Risk factors:

• Age - risk increases after 40 years of age

• Family history

• Lifting heavy weight