What Is Cervical Spondylosis?

Cervical spine is made up of bones (vertebrae's) with cushions (discs) between them/ as we grow older, the bones and the discs will degenerate. Bone spurs (Osteophytes) may form and spinal canal may form and spinal canal may narrow (stenosis) these changes are known as cervical spondylosis.

How Do I Get The Symptoms?

As the spine degenerates, osteophytes formation occurs which intends to fuse the vertebrae together to minimize movement. These osteophytes may cause the unwanted symptoms once it comes into contact with any of the nerve rootorthe spinal cord.

What Are The Common Symptoms That A Person Will Experience?

The symptoms vary with individual. You may experience:

• Neck pain
• Constant deep ache that radiates over the shoulder and down to the arms hands and fingers,
• Numbness or weakness of the arms, hand, fingers or legs
• Muscles spasm, neck stiffness'
• Headache

How Do I Confirm That I Have Cervical Spondylosis?

The doctor will perform physical examination; X-rays and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR) studies are helpful. These imaging's may indicate abnormalities and reveal the extent of damage to the cervical spine.

Cervical Spondylosis

What Are The Treatment Options?

Your symptoms may last for several months to years. If you have mild symptoms, the doctor may recommend some rest, medication and physical therapy. Surgery will be the last option.

Rest

In the acute phase, you may need to wear a cervical collar to limit neck movement and relieve the nerve irritation.

Medication

The doctor may prescribe some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs) or other pain relievers to relieve pain and reduce swelling. Usage of muscle relaxants may be useful.

Physical Therapy

A cervical traction, hot/cold therapy or active exercise programs may help to relieve symptoms. Exercise aim to improve muscle strength and flexibility.

Surgery

It is only necessary if you have severe pain that does not improve with other treatments or when there are progressive neurological symptoms  

How Do I Prevent Cervical Spondylosis ?

There is no specific way to prevent this condition. However, some lifestyle modifications may slow the process of the degeneration.

Lifestyle modification include:

• Regular strengthening and flexibility exercise for neck and back muscles.
• Regular aerobic exercise e.g. running, swimming, cycling.
• Postural awareness to maintain good posture
• Workplace modifications to reduce stress to the back and neck
• Quit smoking
• Maintain healthy weight range