Cervical Spondylosis

Aging can impact all the tissues in the body, including those in the spine. Cervical spondylosis is a degenerative condition that affects the intervertebral discs and vertebrae in the neck. Most people experience cervical spondylosis to some extent after middle age, but not everyone has pain or other symptoms. If you have cervical spondylosis and it is causing you chronic pain or functional issues, our team at Medici Orthopaedics & Spine offers treatment for relief.

Spondylosis is a general term for degenerative wear and tear of the spine. Cervical spondylosis refers specifically to the cervical spine or neck region. With age, spinal discs can shrink from moisture loss. They become more brittle and compact, prone to leaks and bulging. As the cushioned discs between the vertebrae become flatter and harder, more wear can occur on the facet joints of the spine. The body may try to restore stability by stimulating bone growth, creating bone spurs on the cervical vertebrae. All these factors together are components of cervical spondylosis and osteoarthritis, which can cause pain and other symptoms.

Symptoms of Cervical Osteoarthritis

Some people have cervical spondylosis or osteoarthritis and do not suffer from symptoms. For others, the reduced flexibility, bone spurs and stenosis (narrowed space in the spinal column) cause pain and other symptoms. These include:

• Headaches
• Neck pain and stiffness
• Tingling in the arms and hands
• Muscle spasms in the neck and shoulders
• Weakness or numbness in the arms, hands and fingers

While there is not a cure for cervical spondylosis or osteoarthritis, there are treatments that can improve function and diminish pain. Steroid injections reduce inflammation, and physical therapy can reduce strain on the neck. Endoscopic surgery could be used to remove bone spurs. Treatment is different for each person, depending on the extent of their condition and the symptoms they are experiencing.

If you have chronic neck pain or other symptoms of cervical spondylosis, come see us at Medici Orthopaedics & Spine. Contact one of our clinics in the Atlanta area to schedule an exam and consultation with our experienced pain physicians.