Cervical spondylosis

What is cervical spondylosis?

Cervical Spondylosis Treatment in Ludhiana, Punjab, Cervical Spondylosis is an age-related condition that affects the discs and joints in the cervical spine, which is the neck. Another medical term is ‘Neck Arthritis’ or ‘Cervical Osteoarthritis’.

The problem is the result of wear & tear which happens due to bones and cartilage. Mostly the problem happens with age and other factors. In many cases, the patient does not experience any symptoms. On the other hand, the person can experience chronic pain and stiffness. Irrespective of the condition, the person can carry out normal activities.

What are the possible causes of cervical spondylosis?

• Bone spurs: Bone spurs are bone overgrowth, which means extra bone grows and it makes the spine together. The extra bone starts putting pressure on the nerves and spinal cords.
• Dehydrated spinal discs: The spinal bones contain discs that are pad-like cushions and these are thick. The material present inside will dry out and due to this, the bones rub together which makes the condition painful.
• Herniated discs: The spinal disc will develop cracks which make the internal cushioning material leak. The material will press the nerves and spinal cord which results in symptoms like pain that goes to the arm and arm numbness.
• Injury: A past neck injury can increase the risk of getting the problem as you age.

What are the possible risk factors?

The major risk factor is aging. Apart from that if you have neck injury in the past, a work-related activity that has put extra strain on the neck due to heavy lifting, overweight, smoking, and family history.

Symptoms of cervical spondylosis

• When the person notices symptoms, they will range from mild to severe, and with time they can occur gradually. The pain can increase when you stand, sit, sneeze, or cough.
• Another possible symptom is muscle weakness.

Consult DR. Jhawar right away in case of emergencies like sudden onset of tingling or numbness in the arms, legs, shoulder, or sudden loss of bowel control.

Testing for and diagnosing the condition

Make sure that you consult DR. Jhawar for timely diagnosis and forgetting different tests for movement, and determining the affected bones, nerves, and muscles.

Physical examination

The doctor will ask you different questions regarding the signs and symptoms you have. Following that, different tests are done. Some of the typical tests are:

• Checking the muscle weakness
• Testing the range of neck motion
• Sensory deficits
• Testing the reflexes

Imaging tests

If the doctor suspects you have this condition, then an imaging test is done which includes:

• X-ray
• CT scan
• MRI scan
• Electromyogram (EMG)
• Myelogram (helps to highlight certain parts of the spine)

Treatment

If the problem is not severe then the doctor will suggest non-surgical options like physical therapy and medications. However, if the problem is severe then the neurosurgeon will suggest a surgical approach.

Surgery

If your condition is not responding to other treatment plans, then surgery is needed. The surgical approach will include:

• Removal of bone spurs
• Removal of neck bones
• Removal of the herniated disc part

Although this approach is rare, if your condition is affecting your ability to move the arms normally, then it is needed.

Home treatment options

Some of the few things which you can try at home are:

• Exercise daily
• Wear a soft collar or soft neck brace to get temporary relief
• Use a cold pack or heating pad
• Take OTC pain reliever

*Although ensure that you do not wear the collar or neck brace for longer as it is likely to make the muscles weak.

Lookout for cervical spondylosis

In all, the problem is age-related and common. The condition will result in headaches, discomfort, and stiffness which is linked to neck pain. The problem might not be able to get reversed but conservative treatment will reduce the pain and discomfort.