Cervical Spondylosis

Cervical spondylosis, also known as cervical osteoarthritis or neck arthritis, is a common, age-related condition that affects the joints and discs in your neck. It develops from wear and tear of the cartilage and bones found in your cervical spine, which is in your neck.

Wear and tear of spinal disks at the neck that usually worsens as we age is termed as cervical spondylosis. The spinal discs get dehydrated and shrink, resulting in bone spurs and other associated signs of osteoarthritis. There could be a genetic factor linked to this disease in a few families, where it is being observed more than the rest. Around 90 percent of people, above 65 years of age tend to develop cervical spondylosis and osteoarthritis, which is visualized by performing x-ray of the neck.

SYMPTOMS OF CERVICAL SPONDYLOSIS

• Pain in the neck
• Some neck stiffness
• Headaches may occur
• Clumsiness of a hand
• Problems with walking
• Develop pins and needles in part of an arm or hand

Majority of the people do not show any symptoms, but a few may experience stiffness and pain in the neck. In severe cases, cervical spondylosis may result in narrowing of the spinal cord space, causing nerve roots and spinal cord to be compressed, making one undergo numbness, tingling sensation and weakness in hands, arms, legs and feet. People may also show difficulty in walking, lack of coordination and loss of bladder control.