Cervical Spondylosis

Cervical spondylosis, sometimes referred to as arthritis of the neck, is a condition characterized by wear and tear affecting the cervical spine (the seven stacked bones in your neck). Let’s explore it in more detail:

1. Overview:
   • Cervical spondylosis occurs as you age and may involve issues like herniated disks, arthritis, or bone spurs in the neck.
   • Healthcare providers sometimes use terms like osteoarthritis of the neck or arthritis of the neck to describe this condition.
   • While cervical spondylosis cannot be cured, healthcare providers can help manage it and prevent it from worsening.
2. Symptoms:
   • Symptoms of cervical spondylosis can include:
     • Neck pain
     • Stiff neck
     • A bump or knot in your neck
     • Muscle spasms
     • Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when you move your neck
     • Dizziness
     • Headache
3. Causes and Risk Factors:
   • The most common cause is age-related changes in the spine.
   • Contributing factors include:
     • Degenerative disk disease
     • Herniated disks
     • Osteoarthritis
     • Bone spurs
     • Spinal stenosis
   • Risk factors include:
     • Being 60 or older
     • Smoking
     • Repetitive neck strain
     • Family history of cervical spondylosis
     • History of neck injury
4. Complications:
   • Cervical spondylosis increases the risk of:
     • Cervical myelopathy: Compression of the spinal cord in the neck.
     • Cervical radiculopathy: Pinched nerves in the neck.
   • It does not directly affect the brain.