Spondylosis of the neck
Cervical spondylosis is a general term associated with age-related changes in the discs of the neck vertebrae. As the discs dehydrate and shrink, signs of osteoarthritis appear, including bony growths (osteophytes) on the edges of the bones
Cervical spondylosis is a common disease that worsens with age. Cervical spondylosis occurs in more than 85% of people over the age of 60
Most patients have no symptoms However, if they are present, non-surgical treatment is often effective
As we age, the bones and cartilage that make up the spine and neck wear out As a result, the following changes may occur:
- Dehydrated discs Discs act as natural shock absorbers between the vertebrae At age 40 and beyond, the discs begin to dry out and shrink, causing the distance between the vertebrae to decrease.
- Disc herniation Age also affects the outer part of the spinal discs Cracking often occurs, causing the discs to prolapse and bulge As a result, they sometimes irritate the spinal cord and nerve roots
- Bone growths To compensate for disc herniation, misaligned bony growths are often formed in the vertebrae. These muscular growths sometimes push on the spinal cord and nerve roots
- Strained tendons A ligament is a fibrous tissue that connects bone to bone Spinal ligaments stretch and become rough with age This process causes neck stiffness
In most people, cervical spondylosis has no symptoms However, if symptoms do occur, they are usually manifested as pain and stiffness in the neck
In some cases, cervical spondylosis is caused by a narrowing of the space needed by the spinal cord and its nerve roots to reach the rest of the body. When pressure is placed on the spinal cord or nerve roots, the following symptoms may occur:
- Tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arms, wrists, legs, and feet.
- Loss of balance and difficulty walking
- Loss of urinary or defecation control
When to see a doctor Seek medical attention if you notice a sudden loss of sensation, weakness, urinary incontinence or defecation control
