What Is Cervical Spondylosis? - Spondylosis Treatments, Causes & Symptoms

In most cases, the term spondylosis refers to osteoarthritis that affects the spine, but it is also a term that can describe other conditions related to spinal degeneration. Cervical spondylosis is also called cervical osteoarthritis. It is a condition involving changes to the bones, discs, and joints of the neck.

As a result of the degeneration of discs and other cartilage, spurs or abnormal growths called osteophytes may form on the bones in the neck. 

These abnormal growths can cause narrowing of the interior of the spinal column or in the openings where spinal nerves exit, a related condition called cervical spinal stenosis.

Cervical spondylosis causes

The bones and protective cartilage in your neck are prone to wear and tear that can lead to cervical spondylosis. Possible causes of the condition include:

• Bone spurs

These overgrowths of bone are the result of the body trying to grow extra bone to make the spine stronger. it is the result of excessive force loaded to the spine. However, the extra bone can press on delicate areas of the spine, such as the spinal cord and nerves, resulting in pain.

• Dehydrated spinal discs

Your spinal bones have discs between them, which are thick, padlike cushions that absorb the shock of lifting, twisting, and other activities. The gel-like material inside these discs can dry out over time. This causes your bones (spinal vertebrae) to rub together more, which can be painful.

• Herniated discs

Spinal discs can develop cracks, which allows leakage of the internal cushioning material. This material can press on the spinal cord and nerves, resulting in symptoms such as arm numbness as well as pain that radiates down an arm. Learn more about herniated discs.

• Injury

If you’ve had an injury to your neck (during a fall or car accident, for example), this can accelerate the aging process.

• Ligament stiffness

The tough cords that connect your spinal bones to each other can become even stiffer over time, which affects your neck movement and makes the neck feel tight.

• Overuse

Some occupations or hobbies involve repetitive movements or heavy lifting (such as construction work). This can put extra pressure on the spine, resulting in early wear and tear. Nowadays, excessive use of Mobiles and Screen equipment leads to this situation.

Risk factors for the condition

The greatest risk factor for cervical spondylosis is aging. Cervical spondylosis often develops as a result of changes in your neck joints as you age. Disc herniation, dehydration, and bone spurs are all results of aging.

Factors other than aging can increase your risk of cervical spondylosis. These include:

• neck injuries
• work-related activities that put extra strain on your neck
• genetic factors (family history of cervical spondylosis)
• smoking
• being overweight and inactive

Symptoms of cervical spondylosis

Most people with cervical spondylosis don’t have significant symptoms. One common symptom is pain around the shoulder blade. Some complaint of pain along the arm and in the fingers. The pain might increase when standing, sitting, sneezing, coughing, tilting your neck backward. Another common symptom is muscle weakness.

When to see Doctor?

If you experience sudden numbness or tingling in your shoulder, arms, or legs, or if you lose control of your bowels or bladder, consult your doctor and seek medical help as soon as possible. It's possible that this is a medical emergency.

Make an appointment with your doctor if your pain and discomfort begin to interfere with your daily activities. Although the condition is frequently caused by aging, there are treatments that can help to alleviate pain and stiffness.

How to Diagnos Spondylosis?

In order to diagnose cervical spondylosis, other conditions such as fibromyalgia must be ruled out. Testing for movement and determining the affected nerves, bones, and muscles are all part of the diagnosis process. Your doctor may decide to treat you or refer you to an orthopedic specialist, neurologist, or neurosurgeon for additional testing.

Radio imaging test

• Bone spurs and other abnormalities can be detected using X-rays.
• A CT scan of your neck can provide more detailed images.
• An MRI scan, which uses radio waves and a magnetic field to create images, aids your doctor in locating pinched nerves.
• An electromyogram (EMG) is used to ensure that your nerves are sending signals to your muscles properly. This test measures the electrical activity of your nerves.
• The speed and strength of the signals sent by a nerve are measured in a nerve conduction study (NCV). This is accomplished by placing electrodes on your skin near the nerve.
• A dye injection is used in a myelogram to highlight specific areas of your spine. More detailed images of these are obtained using CT scans or X-rays.

Treatment/management For cervical spondylosis

Treatments for cervical spondylosis focus on providing pain relief, lowering the risk of permanent damage, and helping you lead a normal life.

Nonsurgical methods are usually very effective.

Physical therapy For Spondylosis

Your doctor might send you to a physical therapist for treatment. Physical therapy helps you stretch your neck and shoulder muscles with effective stretching exercises.

This makes them stronger and ultimately helps to relieve pain. You might also have neck traction. This involves using weights to increase the space between the cervical joints and relieve the pressure on the cervical discs and nerve roots. 

Physiotherapists are best for such chronic(long time) Pain management. 

never try anything at home without a medical person's advice it can be harmful to your body, so always ask your doctor/Physiotherapist to perform anything at home.

Medications Used for Spondylosis

Your doctor might prescribe certain medications if drugs don’t work. These include:

• muscle relaxants, such as cyclobenzaprine, to treat muscle spasms.
• narcotics, for pain relief.
• anti-epileptic drugs, to relieve pain caused by nerve damage.
• steroid injections, to reduce tissue inflammation and subsequently lessen pain.
• prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as diclofenac, to reduce inflammation.

If the Condition is severe you can opt for Surgery as well.

What to do at home? 

If your condition is minor, you can try a few home remedies to alleviate the symptoms. Like,

• To relieve pain from sore muscles, place a heating pad or a cold pack on your neck.
• Regular exercise will aid in your recovery.
• Medicine for pain is advised only after prescription.
• To get temporary relief, wear a soft neck brace or soft collar. You should not, however, wear a neck brace or collar for long periods of time because it will weaken your muscles.