Cervical spondylosis is a disorder caused by abnormal wear on the cartilage and bones of the neck (cervical vertebrae). The tissue wears away (degeneration) and mineral deposits form in the cushions between the vertebrae (cervical disks).

Alternative Names of Cervical Spondylosis: Cervical osteoarthritis, Neck arthritis

Possible Complications of Cervical Spondylosis

• Chronic neck pain
• Inability to hold in feces (fecal incontinence) or urine (urinary incontinence).
• Progressive loss of muscle function or feeling.
• Permanent disability is occasional.

Causes of Cervical Spondylosis

• Major risk factor is aging. By age 60, 70% of women and 85% of men show changes consistent with cervical spondylosis on x-ray.
• Cervical spondylosis results from chronic degeneration of the cervical spine including the cushions between the neck vertebrae (cervical disks) and joints between the bones of the cervical spine.
• There may be abnormal growths or spurs on the vertebrae (the bones of the spine). These accumulated changes caused by degeneration can gradually compress one or more of the nerve roots. This can lead to increasing pain in the neck and arm, weakness, and changes in sensation. In advanced cases, the spinal cord becomes involved. This can affect not just the arms, but the legs as well.
• A previous neck injury which may have occurred several years prior can lead to spondylosis. but the major risk factor is aging.

Signs & Symptoms of Cervical Spondylosis

• Headaches, particularly in the back of the head
• Neck stiffness that gets worse over time
• Loss of balance
• Loss of control over the bladder or bowels (if spinal cord is compressed)
• Loss of sensation or abnormal sensations of the shoulders, arms, or (rarely)legs
• Neck pain (may radiate to the arms or shoulder)
• Weakness of the arms or (rarely) legs.

Diagnosis of Cervical Spondylosis

Diagnosis involves :

• Physical Examination often shows limited ability to flex the head to the side (bend the head toward the shoulder) and limited ability to rotate the head.Weakness or sensation losses indicate damage to specific nerve roots or to the spinal cord. Reflexes are often reduced.
• A spine or neck x-ray shows abnormalities that indicate cervical spondylosis.
• A CT scan or spine MRI confirms the diagnosis.
• A myelogram (x-ray or CT scan after injection of dye into the spinal column) may be recommended to clearly identify the extent of injury.
• An EMG may also be recommended.
• An x-ray of the lower (lumbar) spine may reveal degenerative changes in this region.

Treatments of Cervical Spondylosis

In mild cases, no treatment is required.  It includes conservative therapy, involving :

• A cervical collar (neck brace) worn for a short period of time to restrict motion
• Cortisone injections to specific areas of irritation
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
• Periods of neck traction may be recommended, but this therapy has not been found to be helpful most of the time. Severe cases may need hospitalization with complete bedrest and traction for 1 or 2 weeks.
• Narcotic medicine or muscle relaxants may help to reduce pain.
• Surgical decompression of the spinal cord in the neck may be recommended for severe pain or significant loss of movement, sensation, or function.
• Surgical procedures may remove bone and disk tissue that is pressing on the nerves of the spinal cord, or stabilize the neck by fusing the cervical vertebrae.

Prevention of Cervical Spondylosis

For many cases there are no preventive measures. Preventing neck injury (such as by using proper equipment and techniques when playing sports) may reduce your risk.

When to seek Medical Advice

• You develop new symptoms (such as loss of movement or sensation in an area of the body).
• The condition becomes worse.
• There are signs of complications.