Cervical Spondylotic Disease

Cervical spondylotic disease, also known as cervical spondylosis, is a fancy term for an easy-to-understand condition. Over time, bones in the neck wear down, causing the symptoms associated with cervical spondylosis. Most cases can be treated with simple methods, although some cases advance to the point where surgery to reconstruct the spine is needed.

Definition

• Cervical spondylosis is a general term for degeneration of the vertebrae in the neck (which are known as the cervical vertebrae). This wear and tear can affect the vertebrae, causing bone spurs, and also affects the cervical discs that act as cushions between each vertebra. These changes to the neck structure can pinch nerves, causing pain and loss of sensation in the neck, shoulders and arms, and in severe cases, dangerous complications.

Causes

• The number one cause of cervical spondylosis is aging--over time, the bones naturally wear down. The condition is most likely to affect people over 40, although men tend to develop cervical spondylosis earlier than women. If you live long enough, you'll probably experience some degree of cervical spondylosis--70% of women and 85% have signs of cervical spondylosis by the age of 60--although not everyone suffers painful symptoms from this degeneration. A previous neck injury can make you more likely to develop cervical spondylosis.

Symptoms

• People with cervical spondylosis may experience headaches (usually in the back of the head), arm and shoulder pain, tingling, or numbness and neck stiffness. They may also have a lack of balance and in some cases, loss of bowel or urinary control. Reflexes and coordination may be affected.

Treatment

• Some cases of cervical spondylosis respond well to simple treatment, such as using over-the-counter pain relievers, wearing a neck brace, and doing physical therapy exercises to strengthen the muscles in the neck. More advanced cases may require periods of bed rest and traction to reduce pressure on the spine. Steroid injections can also help ease pain, along with muscle relaxants.

Surgery

• If cervical spondylosis pain isn't helped by other treatments or if the condition becomes advanced and begins to cause significant weakness in the arms and legs, surgery may be necessary. During the surgery, herniated discs and bone spurs are removed. Sometimes diseased vertebrae are removed and the neck rebuilt with bone taken from other parts of the body or with an implant made of bone and metal. The surgeon may also remove bone resting over the spinal canal.