Alternative Names: Cervical Spondylosis | Cervical Osteoarthritis | Degenerative Osteoarthritis | Arthritis – neck | Neck arthritis
Spondylosis is a syndrome that is caused by falling apart of the discs which are soft cushions between the vertebrae. This results in the vertebrae rubbing together and exerting weight on the nerves. As the condition leads, the bones may move out of their normal positions, causing pain and disability.
Causes
Cervical Spondylosis is extremely common. It is related to getting older. Neck arthritis refers to these age-related changes that occur in the neck (the cervical spine). Cervical Spondylosis, also known as cervical osteoarthritis, neck arthritis and degenerative osteoarthritis, refers to the deterioration of the vertebrae and discs in the neck as we get older – specifically, the cervical spine, which is the section of spine in the neck. Your overweight and not exercising , heavy lifting or a lot of bending and twisting, Past neck injury, Past spine surgery, Ruptured or slipped disk , Severe arthritis and Small fractures to the spine from osteoporosis are common neck arthritis causes.
Symptoms
Neck and shoulder pain are the most common sign and symptoms of Neck arthritis are neck and shoulder pain. Stiff neck is first found warning sign.This radiating pain may appear like a stabbing or a burning, or it might present itself as a dull ache.
- Headaches, especially in the back of the head.
- Loss of balance.
- Loss of control over the bladder or bowels (if there is pressure on the spinal cord).
Diagnostic tests
A test may show that you have difficulty move your head toward your shoulder and rotating your head. Your doctor may ask you to bend your head forward and to the sides while putting slight downward pressure on the top of your head. A spine x-ray used to find changes in spine. MRI done when you have weakness or numbness and severe neck or arm pain that does not get better with cure. EMG and nerve conduction velocity test may be done to observe nerve root function.
Treatments
- Physical therapy
- Massage therapy
- Cold packs and heat therapy
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, naproxen sodium (Aleve), and ibuprofen (Advil) can help with the pain.
Like the rest of the body, the bones in the neck (cervical spine) slowly degenerate as we age. This frequently results in arthritis. Arthritis of the neck is called Cervical Osteoarthritis.
In some people, however, the changes of Arthritis – neck can be responsible for stiffness and pain in the neck that may spread to the shoulders and the base of the skull. As years go by the discs get thinner, increasing the risk of symptoms. The condition usually appears in men and women older than 40 and progresses with age. Men usually develop it at an earlier age than women do.
It can lead to bouts of stiffness and neck pain. Swollen neck joints can press or pinch nearby nerves roots or the spinal cord itself, resulting in pins and needles, and sometimes even pain in the limbs; in some cases there may be loss of feelings and coordination. Some patients may find walking difficult.