Cervical spondylosis
Cervical spondylosis is a term used to describe the changes to the bones (vertebrae), joints and discs of the neck (cervical spine
) as a result of aging (disc degeneration). The vertebrae and discs wear down, possibly resulting in pain. Cervical spondylosis is commonly seen in people 55 years of age and older.1
See illustrations of the neck
As you age, the discs gradually break down and become stiffer. The body reacts to this by developing bony growths (osteophytes). These growths often cause problems. The osteophytes can put pressure on the spinal nerve roots or spinal cord
There are often no symptoms. When there are, neck pain and stiffness are the main symptoms. It is usually worse in the morning and gets better throughout the day. You may also have a headache. If the bony growths are pushing against a nerve root or the spinal cord, you may have numbness, tingling, weakness, or an aching, shooting pain in the arm or leg.
Initial treatment consists of pain relievers, physiotherapy, and strengthening and range-of-motion exercises. If this does not work, surgery may be considered to relieve the pressure on the nerve root or spinal cord.
| Author: | Carrie Henley Monica Rhodes | Last Updated: October 16, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Tom Bailey, MD - Family Medicine Robert B. Keller, MD - Orthopedics | |
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