What are the symptoms of cervical spondylosis
As outlined above, cervical spondylosis symptoms are different for each individual. However, here’s a look at some common signs and symptoms.
- Neck stiffness
- Neck pain
- Headache (originating from the neck)
- Pain in the arms or shoulders
- Difficulty turning head or bending neck
- A grinding sensation or noise when turning neck
Unfortunately, there are some situations where cervical spondylosis results in pressure on the spinal cord. This is a condition called myelopathy. People with myelopathy may also experience some of the following symptoms.
- Tingling or numbness in arms, hands, legs, or feet
- Lack of coordination
- Abnormal reflexes
- Muscle spasms
- Incontinence
Something called cervical radiculopathy is also possible. This occurs when bone spurs press on nerves as they exit the bones of the spinal column. This can lead to pain shooting down one or both arms.
If you or someone you know experiences sudden onset of numbness or tingling in the shoulder, arms, or legs, or has bladder control issues, medical attention should be sought as soon as possible.
Cervical spondylosis diagnosis
A cervical spondylosis diagnosis usually comes after a doctor has ruled out other conditions. For example, some people may think they are suffering from cervical osteoarthritis, but they just might have fibromyalgia.
A physician will start by testing movement and determining if bones, muscles, or nerves are affected. An orthopedic specialist might be involved in the diagnosis. Once a physical exam is conducted, tests will likely be ordered. These tests are designed to examine a person’s reflexes, detect range of motion, check muscle weakness, and look for any sensory deficits. If cervical spondylosis is suspected, the following tests may be conducted.
- X-ray – checks for bone spurs or other abnormalities
- CT scan – provides detailed images of the neck
- MRI – helps locate pinched nerves and highlights certain areas of the spine.
- EMG (electromyography) – checks nerve functioning
- Nerve conduction study – checks speed and length of signals sent by nerves.
Treating cervical spondylosis
No one wants to live in constant pain or be restricted in daily activities. Treating cervical spondylosis is all about relieving pain and helping people maintain their normal activities. It is also about helping people prevent further injury or permanent spinal cord problems. Let’s look at some of the possible treatments, keeping in mind that the approach depends on the severity of each individual’s condition.
- Medications – Doctors may prescribe anti-inflammatories to relieve pain and inflammation, corticosteroids such as prednisone to ease pain, muscle relaxants to relieve muscle spasms in the neck, anti-seizure medications to dull pain in damaged nerves, prescription pain relievers like Percocet, or antidepressants that have been known to ease neck pain.
- Therapy – Physical therapists can guide a person through exercises to stretch and strengthen the neck. Some people benefit from the use of traction.
- Acupuncture – Stimulating certain points in the neck with needles to encourage pain relief.
- Surgery – This can involve removing a herniated disc or bone spur, removing part of a vertebra, or fusing a segment of the neck. Surgery is usually a last resort.
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