Definition:
Cervical osteoarthritis also known as cervical spondylosis is the deterioration of the bones and cartilage of the backbone and neck. The condition sometimes leads to the formation of bone spurs or irregular bony outgrowths.
Diagnosis:
Doctors examine the patient's history and symptoms by assessing neck flexibility and observing how the patient walks to see if the spinal nerve or spinal cord is compressed. Patients may also undergo imaging tests such as a neck or spinal X-ray; computerized tomography scan or magnetic resonance imaging; or myelogram.
Treatment:
Treatment is for pain relief and prevention of permanent injury. Treatment of mild cases are through wearing of a neck brace, taking of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or doing exercise prescribed by a physical therapist. Patients with a serious condition may undergo non-surgical or surgical treatment. Non-surgery may be through hospitalization or, intake or injection of medications. Surgery is based on the patient's condition. During surgery, doctors may remove a patient's herniated disk or bone spurs; remove or rearrange bone from the back of your neck or; cut or remove vertebrae to make more room for the spinal cord. Surgery however, does not totally eliminate the patient's problems.
Symptoms and Signs:
People affected with the condition feel a stiff and painful neck. They may also feel pain on the shoulder, arm, chest; muscle spasms; abnormal reflexes; difficulty in walking; and lose bladder or bowel control.
Causes:
The condition usually occurs in relation with an individual's age. Most of the conditions only appear later in life.
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