There is abnormal wear on the cartilage and bones of the neck (cervical vertebrae) in patients who have spondylosis, which is a disorder. This is a common reason for persistent pain in the neck. People sometimes refer to it as neck arthritis. Cervical spondylosis is not the same thing. Your neck may pain, hurt, or feel stiff if you have cervical spondylosis on account of the condition. Medical professionals can prevent the condition from becoming more severe, even though they cannot cure cervical spondylosis. You can also take essential precautions to protect your neck.
Causes
Prolonged stress on the spine is the root cause of spondylosis. This category includes the disks or cushions located between the vertebrae in the neck and the joints that connect the bones in the cervical spine. These alterations can occur over time, compressing some of the nerve roots. More advanced occurrences of the condition can involve the spinal cord. This condition may affect not only the arms but also the legs. Normal wear and tear may have caused this alteration. Individuals who are highly engaged in their jobs or sports are more likely to experience these changes.
Symptoms
- There can be minor pain or severe pain that prevents movement.
- Discomfort felt above the shoulder blade
- Rarely, the pain extends to the fingers, upper arm, or forearm.
Other common symptoms include:
- There is a tightness in the neck that gets worse over time.
- Rarely, the shoulders, arms, or legs may experience numbness or strange sensations.
- The head is experiencing aches and pains, especially in the back of the skull.
Diagnosis
Your primary care physician will begin by doing a physical examination on you. Your primary care physician may ask you to bend your head forward and to either side, while applying a modest downward pressure to the top of your head. Her or his request could come from either direction. Increased pain or numbness during this examination typically indicates pressure on a nerve.
Prevalence
Growing older is a natural process that results in this phenomenon, which is quite prevalent. We begin to experience changes and wear and tear on our spines as we get older. People are often in their 30s when they experience this phenomenon. At the age of sixty, almost nine out of ten persons will develop cervical spondylosis.
Causes
- At least sixty years of age.
- Inhaling smoke
- Having a job that needs you to spend hours each day looking up or down is a challenging proposition.
- Lifting large objects puts strain on your neck.
- Spondylosis running in one’s family is a strong risk factor.
Complications
- Compression of the spinal cord in the neck (cervical myelopathy).
- Radiculopathy of the cervical region is characterized by a constricted nerve in the neck.
Tests
- X-Rays
- CT Scan (CT myelography)
- MRI
- Electromyography (EMG)
- Nerve conduction study
Medications
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
- Corticosteroids
- Muscle relaxants
- Drugs to prevent seizures
- Antidepressants
Therapy
A physical therapist can show you exercises that will stretch and strengthen the muscles in your neck and shoulders. This may be one of the best stiffness and discomfort treatments. Some individuals benefit from using traction for cervical spondylosis.
Surgery
If conservative treatment is unsuccessful, you may require surgery to provide more space for your spinal cord and nerve roots. The surgical procedure may involve the removal of a herniated disk, bone spurs, or a portion of a vertebra. Bone grafts and metal may be required to fuse a portion of your neck.
Side Effects
Conservative treatments rarely result in adverse outcomes. Your healthcare professional will explain potential difficulties and adverse effects of the treatment.
Self-Care
- Take regular breaks from activities that put pressure on your neck.
- Get advice from your healthcare provider on exercises for your neck.
- Use rest, ice or heat, and over-the-counter pain medicine for minor neck pain.
Summary
A change in our bodies as we age could be cervical spondylosis. Medical professionals can’t cure cervical spondylosis; however, there are therapies available that can make your neck less painful and stiff. If you have been experiencing pain or stiffness in your neck for more than a few days, you should consult a healthcare provider.
