DEFINITION

It refers to a degenerative process affecting the vertebral disc and facet joints that gradually develops with age.The condition can narrow the spinal canal that results in the compression of spinal cord and nerve roots

Usually the conditions associated with cervical spondylosis arise from the regular wear and tear of the bones and cartilages located in the neck region

CAUSES

Bone spur: The overgrowth of the bones in the neck or spine area could be due to body trying to grow some extra bone for making the spine stronger.However the growth of extra bones could start pressing on delicate ares of the spine including spinal cord ,nerves and surrounding muscles leading to pain and discomfort

Herniated Discs: This happens due to the development of cracks in the spinal discs.these cracks allow the leakage of the internal material required for cushioning.The material could press on the nerve and spinal coed and would thus,result in symptoms

Dehydrated spinal discs: The presence of the gel like material between the discs of spine bones could dry out with passage of time.this would lead to rub the spinal vertebrae against each other that could result in immense pain

Injury: Injury in neck during some accident or fall

RISK FACTORS

• Age over 60
• accident
• excessive work resulting in wear and tear

SYMPTOMS

• Pain around shoulder blade
• pain along entire arm and finger
• stiffness in the neck muscles
• constant headaches that usually occur towards the back of head
• numbness or tingling affecting the arms and shoulder

DIAGNOSIS

While making the diagnosis of cervical spondylosis ,it is essential for the doctor to rule out the possibility of having fibromyalgia

INVESTIGATIONS

• X-ray
• CT
• MRI Scan
• EMG

COMPLICATIONS

• Spinal nerve injury
• Neck Injury
• Paralysis

TREATMENT

• Physical therapy
• Medication
• Surgery-When the condition becomes severe,then surgery of the affected area remains only option to get relief from pain

ANTERIOR CERVICAL DISKECTOMY AND FUSION

In this the problematic disk and additional bone spur are removed and stabilize the spine through spinal fusion .Typically a plate with screws is added to the front of the spine for added stability

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