Cervical spondylosis is a chronic bone disease which becomes painful, unbearable or troublesome for a very long time. The study shows that 70 percent of people who are above the age of 65 years are suffering from this ailment which has shaken their world.

Fortunately, there are many aspects and prevention measure available to learn so that the risks of this disease can be eliminated promptly.

What is Cervical Spondylosis?

Cervical spondylosis is a degeneration of the spinal column which is also termed as cervical osteoarthritis, or degenerative osteoarthritis or just by the name of neck arthritis.

In this condition, the edges of the vertebrae develop bone spurs called osteophytes, with due the ability of discs in the spine loses the ability to absorb the shock which leads to many troublesome symptoms.

The aforementioned thinning of the disc is caused due to loss of fluid or breaking down of joints. Due to the abnormal growth, the spinal column gets narrower which forms the condition of cervical spinal stenosis.

This condition falls under the category of wear and tear arthritis where the age is the major factor of risk. Also, there are many other risk factors that cause disc herniation, dehydration, and bone spurs which all are initial factors leading to cervical osteoarthritis.

• Neck injury
• Smoking
• Age
• Genetic factors
• Poor posture
• Overweight
• Inactivity

What are the Causes of Cervical Spondylosis?

As we discussed earlier that there are many causes of formation of this disease. Apart from the risk factor there are following causes that can be held responsible for triggering cervical spondylosis.

1. Bone Spurs

Bones spurs are the overgrown bones that are grown strong by consuming potential of normally placed bones which makes the normal actual bone brittle. This process promotes the condition of the neck arthritis.

2. Dehydrated Spinal Discs

There is a presence of thick disc-like paddy cushions which stimulates the motion between the vertebrates. Due to lack of hydration in these discs, the bones rub to each other with fiction.

3. Ligament Stiffness

There are strong chords that are attached to the spine which are responsible for the easy movement. Due to the risk factors, these chords get stiff and the movement becomes poor and agitate.

4. Disc Herniation

Sometimes the spinal discs form cracks into them which causes leakage of cushion fluid which causes trouble in the movement and bones to collide.

5. Overuse

There are many occupation and hobbies that causes excessive use of neck bone which leads to the loss of ligaments and strain on the bone.

What are the Symptoms of Cervical Spondylosis?

The spondylosis osteoarthritis doesn’t indicate any specific or distinctive symptoms but there many common symptoms that are been reported by the patients.

• Pain around the shoulder blade
• Stiffness
• Numbness or tingling around the affected area
• A headache

How is Cervical Spondylosis is Diagnosed?

Generally, the doctor begins with the physical exam which involves the examination of your visible symptoms to analyze your reflexes, muscle weakness or sensory deficits, and testing the range of motion of your neck.

Later this session the doctor would recommend other specialized tests to get a better picture of the condition. This involves X-ray, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or/and electromyogram (EMG) to check the condition of nerves and bones in the affected area.

What is the Treatment for Cervical Spondylosis?

The treatment measures of spondylosis osteoarthritis are in conservative nature which involves elimination of the risks and symptoms of the spondylosis. There are generally three processes of treatments which are mentioned below, these processes vary according to the severity of the disease.

1. Physical Therapy:

The doctor would suggest you for a checkup with a physician. The physician is responsible for recommending some effective exercises which would relieve the pain and stiffness in the neck. Exercises like neck stretch, neck tilt, and neck turn are extremely effective. Also, messages are also a pain-relieving alternative.

2. Medication:

There many medications available to reduce the chronicity of the symptoms of this disease. The doctor would prescribe muscle relaxants, pain relievers, narcotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for the immediate easement.

3. Surgery:

In the situation when all the non-invasive and uncomplicated fails the only measure lefts it surgery. The surgery is conducted in extremely rare cases in order to remove the source of pressure on the affected area.

Conclusion:

The toll of this cervical spondylosis has been increasing consistently for a decade due to low-grade lifestyle people lead nowadays. This disease acquires people who have developed poor neck conditions so always keep your neck active and strong, avoid strain, and eat calcium and vitamin-rich foods.