What Is Cervical Spondylosis?
Cervical spondylosis is a degenerative condition that occurs when the discs in your neck begin to wear down. This can lead to the formation of bony growths, called osteophytes, which can narrow the spaces between the vertebrae and put pressure on the nerves. This happens to be a common condition that is often seen to get worse as you age. The vertebrae basically are those bones, which tend to make up the entire spine. The discs happen to be the cushions, which are between these vertebrae, and they act like shocks-absorbers. These bones and discs in the spine wear down over time, and this can lead to pain and other problems.
What Are the Causes of Cervical Spondylosis?
Cervical spondylosis is a condition that affects vertebrae and discs in the neck. This is usually caused by wear and tear on the spine as you age. This can lead to the breakdown of the normal cushioning and support between the bones in your spine. The main cause of cervical spondylosis is age-related wear and tear. As you get older, the bones and discs in your spine can start to wear down. This can lead to pain and other problems. So, cervical spondylosis happens when the vertebrae and discs in the neck wear down, which tends to happen due to the reasons mentioned underneath:
Age
Injury
Use of tobacco
Poor posture
What Are the Symptoms of Cervical Spondylosis?
Cervical spondylosis often doesn't cause any symptoms. But sometimes it can lead to pain and stiffness in the neck, which is the most common symptom. Other symptoms may include the ones given below:
Headaches
Pain or numbness in your shoulders, arms, or legs
Weakness in your arms or legs
Problems with coordination and balance
Numbness in arms/legs
Tingling in arms/legs
Weakness in arms/legs
Shoulder pain
Pain that radiates down the arms
The condition can also cause difficulty swallowing and dizziness
If you have such symptoms, these tend to get worse when you do the following actions:
Turn your head
Lift something
Prolonged standing/sitting
How Is Cervical Spondylosis Diagnosed?
Cervical spondylosis is usually diagnosed by a doctor by performing a physical exam and asking about symptoms. Several imaging tests are also ordered, such as an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan, to get a better look at your spine.
How Is Cervical Spondylosis Treated?
Treatment for cervical spondylosis often starts with conservative measures, such as over-the-counter pain relievers and physical therapy. If these treatments don’t help, your doctor may recommend steroid injections or surgery. So, treatment often involves the following:
Exercises
Pain relief medications
Physical therapy
In some severe cases, even surgery may be recommended
Come to 1Health Medical Center If You Are Experiencing Symptoms of Cervical Spondylosis
Do you have neck pain that gets worse with activity or when you hold your head in one position for too long? Do you have headaches, tingling or numbness in your arms, or pain in your shoulders? If so, you may be suffering from cervical spondylosis, a condition that affects the spine in your neck. Come to 1Health Medical Center if you have any neck pain or other symptoms. At 1Health Medical Center, we can help you get relief from your symptoms and improve your quality of life. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, make an appointment with 1Health Medical Center today. We will conduct a thorough examination and develop a treatment plan to help you get relief from your symptoms.