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Cervical Spondylosis, otherwise called cervical osteoarthritis, is an age-related condition where the bones and disks in the neck slowly degenerate. Cervical spondylosis is a common medical situation; it affects more than 85% of people in their middle age.
Cause and Risk Factors
The degeneration of the spinal disk in the neck is the primary cause of Cervical Spondylosis. These changes are natural for elderly people (60+ years). The changes that happen are: Bone Spurs (extra bone growing at the edges of neck bones), Dehydrated Spinal Discs (loss of water content in the disc), Loss of height of the disc, change in the alignment of bones, pressure on the spinal cord due to soft tissue thickenings and Herniation of disk (tear/crack of the spinal disk).
Although Cervical Spondylosis is mostly associated with aging, other factors can also accelerate wear and tear. Neck injuries, smoking, work-related activities that require extra strain on the neck, sedentary lifestyle, desk jobs, and infection are some factors that can lead to this condition.
Cervical Spondylosis Symptoms
Neck pain and stiffness around the shoulder and neck are the commonest complaints a patient perceives. Some people may have pain in their arms and fingers as well. The pain can range from mild to severe. Other symptoms of cervical symptoms a patient can experience are as follows:
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Weakness in the upper or lower limbs.
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Difficulty in walking due to loss of balance.
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Numbness in hands or legs.
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Difficulty in holding small objects, mixing food, buttoning a shirt, change in handwriting.
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Difficulty in control of urine.
If you’re experiencing one or more symptoms out of the above, please book an appointment with a Spine Doctor in Malleshwaram Bangalore at Manipal Hospitals.
Cervical Spondylosis Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosing Cervical Spondylosis requires a physical examination by the concerned doctor after which a few tests are conducted. The tests may include imaging tests such as an X-Ray, CT scan, and MRI as per requirement.
The treatment aims to relieve pain, reduce the progression of damage, and help patients live a normal life. Typically, medication and physical therapy work well for most people.
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Physical therapy
Physical therapy is suggested for patients with mild pain. It includes a few days of rest followed by gradual neck exercises and gentle rotation/stretching once every two hours. Heat application helps in relieving pain and muscle tightness.
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Medications
Medications hasten the pain relief and tightness, they involve Muscle relaxants, pain relievers, anti-inflammatory medications, and Corticosteroids to lessen the irritation of the spinal cord.
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Surgery
Surgery is considered only when a patient suffers from severe pain, and weakness in the hands or legs and loses his ability to walk or use his arms. This may entail removing bone spurs, parts of the neck bones or herniated discs to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
Preventive Measures to avoid Cervical Spondylosis
Regular neck stretches and exercises will delay the onset of spondylosis in adults. Patients with Cervical Spondylosis are advised not to use collars or neck belts without the recommendation of a doctor as it may worsen the situation, So visit our Spine Care Hospital in Malleshwaram for the consultation. People who work long hours in a sitting position in front of a desktop/laptop should take breaks frequently and relax the muscles of the shoulders and neck. Laptop, desktop, television, or smartphone screen should always be kept at eye level. Sitting in a comfortable position may help in reducing the risk of developing neck pain.
In conclusion, the only solution to get rid of Cervical Spondylosis or restrict its progression is to stay active. Limiting our day-to-day activities because of neck pain will only lead to more brittle bones and joint damage.
Consultant - Spine Care
Manipal Hospitals, Malleshwaram, Bangalore
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