Cervical Spondylosis

Cervical spondylosis refers to the wear and tear affecting the spinal disks in one's neck. This is very common and worsens with age. As the disks dehydrate and shrink, bone spurs and other signs of osteoarthritis develop. There appears to be a genetic component involved as some families will have more of such changes over time, while other families develop it less.

What causes Cervical Spondylolysis?

As one ages, the bones and cartilage that make up the backbone and neck gradually develop wear and tear. These changes may include the following:

• Still ligaments
• Bone spurs
• Herniated disks
• Dehydrated disks

The risk factors of Cervical Spondylolysis include:

• Being overweight and not exercising
• Having a job that requires a lot of bending and twisting and sitting in front of the desktop for long hours
• Past neck injury
• Past spine injury
• Ruptured or slipped disk
• Small fractures to the spine from osteoporosis
• Severe arthritis
• Genetics

What are the symptoms of Cervical Spondylolysis?

• The symptoms develop slowly over time and may get worse suddenly.
• Mild to severe pain
• Numbness or pain over the shoulder blade or it may spread to the forearm, upper arm and sometimes fingers
• The pain may get worse at night, after sitting or standing or even when you sneeze, cough and laugh
• Headaches, especially in the back of the head
• Neck stiffness that may get worse over time
• Loss of control over the bladder or bowels
• Lack of coordination and difficulty walking

Mild cases of Cervical Spondylolysis may respond to the following:

• Exercising regularly
• Certain over the counter pain relievers
• Appling heat or ice to your neck especially if the neck muscles are sore

Contact your doctor if you notice a sudden onset of weakness, numbness, loss of bladder of bowel control!