Neck Spondylosis

With the increasing number of professionals who sit for hours together to do office work or sitting for hours in front of the computer and call center jobs which requires continuous sitting posture in the number of persons suffering from spondylosis Neck is on the rise. Cervical spondylosis is a "wear" the vertebrae and discs in the neck. It is a common cause of neck pain.

Cervical spondylosis is the most common disorder of the cervical spine. It is caused by degenerative changes in the vertebrae and intervertebral discs that occur as a result of aging or due to injury or rheumatoid disease. In advanced disease that can lead to cervical myelopathy (CSM) which results from compression of the spinal cord.

Cervical spondylosis is a degenerative disease of the neck bones. This disorder is caused by abnormal wear of the cartilage bones of the neck. This bone in the neck are called cervical vertebrae and cushions located between the vertebrae are called cervical discs. The condition of cervical spondylosis is caused due to mineral deposits in the cushions located between the neck vertebrae and degeneration of bone cartilage. The abnormal wear on the neck bone and cartilage can lead to progressive compression of one or more nerve roots. This compression of nerve roots result in changes in sensation, pain in the neck and arms and suffering perhaps a weakness.

Causes

Cervical spondylosis results from chronic degeneration of the cervical spine including the cushions between the neck vertebrae (cervical disks) and joints between the bones of the spine. There may be abnormal growths or "push" on the vertebrae (bones of the spine).

These accumulated changes caused by progressive degeneration can compress one or more nerve roots. This can lead to increased pain in the neck and arm, weakness, and changes in sensation. In advanced cases, the spinal cord is involved. This can affect not only weapons, but legs too.

Symptoms

Pain in the neck. This can extend to the base of the skull and shoulders. Movement can aggravate neck pain. The pain sometimes extends an arm to a hand or fingers. This is caused by irritation of a nerve that goes to the arm of the spinal cord in the neck. The pain tends to fluctuate with surges from time to time. However, some people develop chronic (persistent) pain.

Diagnosis

The following methods are used to diagnose arthritis of the neck:

MRI - Especially useful for viewing the status of spinal nerves, MRI take pictures from many angles.
CT scans provide a good view of the encroachment on nerve tissue caused by the renovation / remodeling of bone.
Myelogram - this imaging technique improves the visibility of X-rays They are particularly good for seeing problems located in the nerve roots.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is relief of pain and prevention of spinal cord injury and permanent nerve root.

In mild cases, no treatment is necessary. Symptoms of cervical spondylosis usually stabilize or regress with simple, conservative therapy including a cervical collar (neck brace) to restrict motion and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Cortisone injections to specific areas of irritation may also be useful.