Cervical Spondylosis and Neck Pain

Table of Content

Introduction to Cervical Spondylosis

Cervical Spondylosis and Neck Pain: An Overview

More than 60% of the general population can have symptoms of neck pain. Wear and tear as described on an x-ray or MRI scan may not be relevant to self-reported pain in the cervical spine.

Cervical spondylosis is a degenerative condition that describes age-related changes in the cervical spine. There may be changes in the spinal disc, vertebrae, joints and ligaments.

Symptoms and Causes of Cervical Spondylosis

Symptoms can be quite vague, such as headache, neck pain, dizziness, stiffness, pain spreading down the arms, numbness of fingers and difficulty with tasks such as writing, closing buttons or tying knots.

The Most Common Causes of Neck Pain

Poor posture Which may also involve the lower back
Muscles Strains
Injuries
Joints Arthritis
Degeneration
Nerves Compression
Injuries
System Diseases Autoimmune
Inflammatory
Infective
Malignant

 

Diagnosing Cervical Spondylosis and Neck Pain

Diagnostic Tools and Examination

Investigations including radiographs of the cervical spine, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MR) are used. In some cases, electrophysiological tests like ENMG (Electroneuromyography) or EMG (electromyography) may be helpful to confirm or refine the diagnosis.

Treatment Options for Cervical Spondylosis and Neck Pain

Conservative Treatments

Based on the clinical and radiological findings, the next step of further treatment is decided. Firstly, painkillers (analgesics) and/or anti-inflammatory and/or muscle relaxant drugs can be discussed with the family doctor. Various forms of physical therapy have the best long-term results for improvement.

Surgical Treatments

Surgical treatment is indicated if conservative therapy does not help or in particular if the patient develops further difficulties. Surgical treatment of cervical spondylosis can be performed by an anterior or posterior approach (front or back) to the cervical spine. Newer methods of treatment include insertion of an artificial cervical disc, but this is reserved for selected cases only.

Possible Causes of Neck Pain

Cervical Stenosis Cervical Spondylosis Disc Herniation

EUROSPINE is a society of spine specialists of various disciplines with a large knowledge of spine pathologies. All well-known and accepted treatment modalities for spine pathologies are represented by the members of the society. However, the Society cannot accept any responsibility for the use of the information provided; the user and their health care professionals must retain responsibility for their health care management.