“Cervical” refers to the seven small vertebrae in your neck.
“Spondylosis” means degeneration of the discs between the vertebrae.
Typically, cervical spondylosis begins around age 40 and gets worse over time.
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Men tend to develop it earlier than women.
Neck and Head Symptoms
It’s possible to have cervical spondylosis without any symptoms.
Myelopathy Symptoms
Myelopathy is a condition involvingcompression of the spinal corditself.
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While cervical spondylosis is very common, congenital cervical stenosis is the most common neck condition leading to myelopathy.
The spinal cordis a long bundle of nerves that runs down the length of the spine.
The spinal cord and the brain are the two components of the central nervous system.
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Bone spurs are the bodys response to joint wear and tear.
As they grow, bone spurs can narrow the spaces that the nerves and spinal cord pass through.
Risk factors for neck arthritis include:
Age
A major risk factor for cervical spondylosis is age.
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Once you reach 40, your likelihood of developing neck arthritis increases.
Not all research agrees, though.
Smoking
Studies show that smoking is a risk factor for neck pain.
Researchers suspect smoking could speed up the process of cervical disc degeneration, especially in the lower discs.
This is just one of many reasons you should quit smoking.
Additionally, these mental health conditions have been linked to worse outcomes after disc replacement surgery.
Then, expect one or more types of imaging, and possibly a nerve conduction study.
If you dont have nerve symptoms, you may only need an X-ray.
It may also help your healthcare provider classify cervical spondylosis as mild, moderate, or severe.
It measures how well your nerves are functioning.
During the study, electrodes will be placed on your skin that deliver electrical stimulation to your nerves.
Some people find this to be uncomfortable.
Neck arthritis specialists include:
Conservative management may help you control pain and slow the progression of the disease.
For more severe cases, surgery may be an option.
This may involve some combination of:
Surgery
Surgery is not generally necessary for cervical spondylosis.
2018;7(11).
2015;40(5):E266-E271.
doi:10.1097/BRS.0000000000000743
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: OrthoInfo.Cervical spondylosis (arthritis of the neck).
