Cervical Spondylosis: Things You Need To Know
Nikki Attkisson | Last Updated : August 2, 2022A common age-related disorder called cervical spondylosis affects the joints and discs in your cervical spine, located in your neck. It is also known as cervical osteoarthritis or neck arthritis.
What is Cervical Spondylosis?
It arises from the deterioration of bones and cartilage. Although aging is a major contributing element, there are other causes as well.
According to surveys, more than 90% of persons 60 and older have the illness.
Some patients don’t ever show any symptoms.
Others may experience
✔️Stiffness and
✔️Prolonged,
✔️Severe pain as a result
✔️A lack of strength in the arms, hands, legs, or feet
✔️Walking difficulties and a lack of coordination
✔️Bladder or bowel control problems
However, a large number of those who have it are able to go about their daily lives normally.
Age-related damage in the cervical spine (neck), which can cause neck discomfort, stiffness, and other symptoms, is referred to as cervical spondylosis. This ailment is occasionally referred to as neck osteoarthritis or arthritis also.
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Let’s understand the Anatomy
In total 24 vertebrae make up your whole spine (bones of the spine). Seven vertebrae make up the cervical spine, which starts at the base of the head. The spinal cord and its connections pass through a hole in the entire vertebral column.
Between the brain and the rest of the body, including muscles and organs, the spinal cord and nerves transport messages. There are discs between each vertebra.
Like the body’s shock absorbers, the discs function. The discs are formed of strong, flexible connective tissue and are filled with a substance that resembles gel. Between each vertebra, discs resemble soft, pulpy material.
Each set of vertebrae is separated by three joints. The intervertebral disc is the name of the front joint. Facet joints are two joints in the rear of the spine. Cartilage helps in cushioning the ends of bones within every joint. The soft tissue bands known as ligaments hold the vertebrae together.
The prevalence of cervical spondylosis in contemporary times
Your spine may change as you age, which is regarded to be natural.
This wearing-down of the spine probably starts in your 30s.
Nearly 90% of adults by the age of 60 develop cervical spondylosis.
Cervical Spondylosis Symptoms-
The following is a list of cervical spondylitis symptoms:
Cervical spondylosis causes neck pain, which can radiate to your shoulders or arms. Beginning with a tingling sensation, the pain might get worse if ignored. Standing, sneezing, sitting, coughing, or turning the neck backward can all make cervical pain worse. The most typical sign of cervical spondylitis is this.
Cervical spondylosis may cause weakness in the muscles. When muscles are stiff and weak, it is challenging to lift the hands or effectively grasp an object.
Headaches may result from a stiff neck. Most of the time, your back of the head will experience headaches.
The arm and shoulders are the main locations for tingling and numbness. Tingling can frequently extend to the legs. Numbness and tingling may coexist if the condition is not treated.
As the bones start to deteriorate, you may experience balance issues and have trouble walking.
In a small percentage of instances, cervical spondylosis can cause bladder and bowel control loss. If you experience such an issue, you should contact a doctor right away.
Home remedies to treat the ailment:
If cervical spondylosis gets painful, people can take some actions at home to relieve symptoms in addition to exercise.
Most people are able to utilize OTC medications without a prescription.
❌Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications are among them (NSAIDs). Ibuprofen or naproxen acetaminophen, such as Tylenol, are among the kinds that can be purchased online.
❌NSAIDs should not be taken by anyone with asthma, liver, kidney, heart, hypertension, or a history of stomach issues. The doctor could recommend several painkillers for extreme pain.
Other choices include:
✔️Routine exercise This may hasten the process of getting better after painful episodes.
✔️A cold pack or heated pad: When the muscles of the neck get sore, this might relieve pain. You may purchase heat pads and cold packs online.
✔️Soft neck braces: If worn for brief periods of time, these can provide momentary pain relief. Long-term use, however, may cause neck muscles to become weaker.
Only milder instances may benefit from these treatments. A person should see a doctor if their neck pain is severe.
We hope this article helps you in understanding all about the prevailing ailment and will prove useful in undertaking any treatment and being aware of your loved ones.References:
WebMD(2005-2022)Cervical Osteoarthritis (Cervical Spondylosis)(Available online):https://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/cervical-osteoarthritis-cervical-spondylosis
MedlinePlus(1997-2022)Cervical spondylosis(Available online):https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000436.htm
With over 15 years as a practicing journalist, Nikki Attkisson found herself at Powdersville Post now after working at several other publications. She is an award-winning journalist with an entrepreneurial spirit and worked as a journalist covering technology, innovation, environmental issues, politics, health etc. Nikki Attkisson has also worked on product development, content strategy, and editorial management for numerous media companies. She began her career at local news stations and worked as a reporter in national newspapers.