The cervical spine is formed by seven small vertebrae which they begin at the bottom of the skull.
In cervical spondylosis, the sides of the vertebrae often develop bone spurs called osteophytes. Over time, the discs get thinner, and their ability to soak up shock is lost, increasing the danger of symptoms.
Swollen vertebral joints, called facet joints, can press or pinch nearby nerve roots or the medulla spinalis itself, leading to tingling or “pins and needles” within the extremities and sometimes even pain within the limbs.
Neck pain may be a widespread condition, and therefore the second commonest complaint after low back pain.
Cervical spondylosis is extremely common and worsens with age.
Quite 85 percent of individuals older than age 60 are suffering from cervical spondylosis
Cervical Spondylosis Causes
- Degeneration : The spinal disks in your neck may slowly affect (degenerate). spinal vertebrae have discs between them, which are thick, padlike cushions, its helps to absorb the shock of lifting, twisting, and other activities. The gel-like substance inside these discs can dry out over time. This causes your bones (spinal vertebrae) to rub together more, which may be painful. ). With time, the disks become thinner, and therefore the soft tissue has less elasticity.
- Herniation: Normal aging can cause a part of your spinal disk to tear or crack. this is often called a herniated disk. The herniation can allow the disk to protrude , pressing on nearby tissue or a nervus spinalis . This pressure can cause pain, tingling or numbness.
- Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis may be a progressive (ongoing) condition that causes cartilage in your joints to degenerate (wear down with time). Due to osteoarthritis there is increase in rate of cartilage degeneration as compared to normal aging.
- Bone spurs: When cartilage within the joints of the vertebrae starts to degenerate and bone tissue rubs directly to each other, there is an abnormal bone growth which develops along the sides of vertebrae. These growths (called osteophytes or bone spurs).These are common as you age. Often, they cause no symptoms.
- Injury: If you’ve had an injury to your neck (during a fall or car accident, for example), this will accelerate the aging process.
- Ligament stiffness: The ligaments connect your spinal bones to each other which over time becomes stiffer with no activity, affecting your neck movement and makes the neck feel tight.
- Overuse: Some occupations or hobbies involve repetitive movements or work (such as construction work). this will put extra pressure on the spine, leading to early wear and tear.
RISK FACTORS
Factors aside from aging can increase your risk of cervical spondylosis. These include:
- Age. Cervical spondylosis may be a normal a part of aging.
- Occupation. Jobs that involve repetitive neck motions, awkward positioning or tons of overhead work put extra stress on your neck. work-related activities that put extra strain on your neck from work .
- Repetitive stress. holding your neck in an uncomfortable position for prolonged periods of your time or repeating an equivalent neck movements throughout the day
- Neck injuries. Previous neck injuries appear to extend the danger of cervical spondylosis.
- Genetic factors. Some individuals in certain families will experience more of those changes over time, while others won’t .
- Smoking. Smoking has been linked to increased neck pain.
Cervical Spondylosis Symptoms
One common symptom is pain round the scapula . Some complain of pain along the arm and within the fingers. The pain might increase when:
- standing
- sitting
- sneezing
- coughing
- tilting your neck backward
Another common symptom is muscle weakness, it becomes hard to lift the arms or grasp objects firmly.
Other common signs include:
- a stiff neck that becomes worse
- headaches that mostly occur within the back of the top
- tingling or numbness that mainly affects the shoulders and arms, although it also can occur within the legs
Cervical Spondylosis Treatment
Physical Therapy For Cervical Spondylosis
Physical therapy helps you stretch your neck and shoulder muscles. Also helps in posture correction.This makes your muscles stronger and ultimately helps to alleviate pain.
Your doctor might prescribe certain medications if over-the-counter (OTC) drugs don’t work.
If your condition is severe and doesn’t answer other sorts of treatment, you would possibly need surgery. this will involve removing bone spurs, parts of your neck bones, or herniated discs to offer your medulla spinalis and nerves more room.
Surgery is never necessary for cervical spondylosis. However, a doctor may recommend it if the pain is severe and it’s affecting your ability to maneuver your arms.
Home Treatment Options
If your condition is mild, you’ll try a couple of things reception to treat it:
- Use a hot pad or a chilly gain your neck to supply pain relief for sore muscles.
- Exercise regularly to assist your recover faster.
