Cervical spondylosis is a common degenerative condition of the cervical spine that is caused by age-related changes in the intervertebral disks (cushions between the vertebrae) and facet joints (the small joints in the back of the neck). As disk degeneration occurs, mechanical stresses result in osteophytic bars (bone spurs), which form along the ventral aspect (front) of the spinal canal (tube containing the spinal cord). These degenerative changes can cause pain and stiffness in the neck, although many people experience no symptoms at all.
Symptoms
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Neck stiffness
- Suboccipital pain and headache
- Radicular symptoms (numbness and weakness)
- Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM)
- *Many people experience no symptoms
Causes
- Degenerative changes:
- Bone spurs
- Disc degeneration
Risk Factors
- Age
- Genetics
- Smoking
- Occupations that require overhead work and repetitive neck motion
- Previous injury/trauma to neck
Diagnosis
- Your doctor will discuss your symptoms, review your medical history, and perform a thorough physical examination of your back.
- Diagnostic testing:
- X-rays: Show the alignment of the bones of the neck (vertebrae) and reveal any degenerative changes to the disc or vertebrae (ex. Reduced disc height or bone spurs)
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Used to determine if damage to soft tissues (muscles, disks, nerves or spinal cord) is present.
- Computed tomography (CT): Provide a better view of the spinal canal and any bone spurs that may be present.
- Myelogram: A contrast dye is injected into the spinal canal allowing the spinal cord and nerve roots to show up more clearly than a CT scan.
- Electromyography (EMG): Measures electrical impulses of the muscle while at rest and during contractions. May be combined with nerve conduction studies to determine if the spinal cord is functioning properly.
- A blood test may be conducted to determine if an inflammatory arthritis antibody is present.
Treatment
- Most often, spondylosis is treated non-surgically, however, there are surgical treatment options available for more severe cases.
