Cervical Spondylosis Symptoms - Is This Causing Your Neck Pain And Stiffness?

Cervical spondylosis symptoms typically present as pain and stiffness in the neck and the symptoms may radiate into the arms or hands. The condition is defined as degeneration of the spinal joints and bones of the neck and is found to varying degrees in most men and women over the age of 60. This article will help you understand the symptoms of cervical spondylosis as well as the treatments available.

Cervical Spondylosis Symptoms And Causes

Symptoms will vary depending on the degree of degeneration present but may include:

• Pain or stiffness in the neck


• Pain that radiates into the arms or hands


• Tingling or numbness in the shoulders, arms or hands


• Weakness in the shoulders, arms or hands


• Grinding or "crunching" noise in the neck upon movement


• Headaches


• Dizziness

Spondylosis of the cervical spine is an arthritic condition that is caused by chronic wearing away of the bones, disks and joints. Overtime abnormal growths may form on the bones of the spine called bone spurs, which can result in pressure on the spinal nerve roots that travel to the shoulders and arms. These changes can be brought on by wear & tear of the joints or by past trauma to the spine. The risk increases with a history of trauma, spinal surgery or advanced age.

Cervical Spondylosis Diagnosis And Treatment

A definitive diagnosis is made by a medical physician through a physical examination and tests, which may include a CT Scan, MRI, x-ray or EMG (electromyography - a test that checks the health of the muscles and nerves).

Treatment for mild cases of cervical spondylosis include the use of pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medication such as Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs). Heat can ease pain and stiffness in neck.

More advanced cases may require narcotic medicine or muscle relaxants or cortisone injections to the area of the spine that is affected. Other medications may be prescribed to help relieve the chronic pain such as phenytoin, carbamazepine, or tricyclic antidepressants (i.e. amitriptyline).

Physical therapy may be recommended to learn exercises to relieve the cervical spondylosis symptoms.

Surgery to relieve pressure on the nerves is a possibility if the pain does not subside with the use of the above mentioned conservative measures or if there is any loss of movement or feeling.