Cervical osteoarthritis
Key points
- Cervical spondylosis is a disorder caused by abnormal wear on the cartilage and bones of the neck (cervical vertebrae) with degeneration and mineral deposits in the cushions between the vertebrae (cervical disks).
- Cervical spondylosis results from chronic degeneration of the cervical spine including the cushions between the neck vertebrae (cervical disks) and joints between the bones of the cervical spine.
- Progressive neck pain is a key indication of cervical spondylosis.
- The goal of treatment is relief of pain and prevention of permanent spinal cord and nerve root injury.
Alternative names
Cervical spondylosis
Definition
Cervical spondylosis is a disorder caused by abnormal wear on the cartilage and bones of the neck (cervical vertebrae) with degeneration and mineral deposits in the cushions between the vertebrae (cervical disks).
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Cervical spondylosis results from chronic degeneration of the cervical spine including the cushions between the neck vertebrae (cervical disks) and joints between the bones of the cervical spine. There may be abnormal growths or "spurs" on the vertebrae (the bones of the spine).
These accumulated changes caused by degeneration can gradually compress one or more of the nerve roots. This can lead to increasing pain in the neck and arm, weakness, and changes in sensation. In advanced cases, the spinal cord becomes involved. This can affect not just the arms, but the legs as well.
A previous neck injury (which may have occurred several years prior) can predispose to spondylosis, but the major risk factor is aging. By age 60, 70% of women and 85% of men show changes consistent with cervical spondylosis on X-ray.
Symptoms
- neck pain (may radiate to the arms or shoulder)
- loss of sensation or abnormal sensations of the shoulders, arms, or (rarely) legs
- weakness of the arms or (rarely) legs
- neck stiffness that progressively worsens
- loss of balance
- headaches, particularly in the back of the head
- loss of control of the bladder or bowels (if spinal cord is compressed)
Signs and tests
Progressive neck pain is a key indication of cervical spondylosis. It may be the only symptom in many cases. Examination often shows limited ability to flex the head to the side (bend the head toward the shoulder) and limited ability to rotate the head.
Weakness or sensation losses indicate damage to specific nerve roots or to the spinal cord. Reflexes are often reduced.
- A spine or neck X-ray shows abnormalities that indicate cervical spondylosis.
- A CT scan or spine MRI confirms the diagnosis.
- A myelogram (X-ray or CT scan after injection of dye into the spinal column) may be recommended to clearly identify the extent of injury.
- An EMG may also be recommended.
Frequently asked questions
What is cervical osteoarthritis?
Cervical spondylosis is a disorder caused by abnormal wear on the cartilage and bones of the neck (cervical vertebrae) with degeneration and mineral deposits in the cushions between the vertebrae (cervical disks).
What are the risk factors for cervical osteoarthritis?
Cervical spondylosis results from chronic degeneration of the cervical spine including the cushions between the neck vertebrae (cervical disks) and joints between the bones of the cervical spine. There may be abnormal growths or "spurs" on the vertebrae (the bones of the spine). These accumulated changes caused by degeneration can gradually compress one or more of the nerve roots. This can lead to increasing pain in the neck and arm, weakness, and changes in sensation. In advanced cases, the spinal cord becomes involved. This can affect not just the arms, but the legs as well.
What are the symptoms of cervical osteoarthritis?
- neck pain (may radiate to the arms or shoulder)
- loss of sensation or abnormal sensations of the shoulders, arms, or (rarely) legs
- weakness of the arms or (rarely) legs
- neck stiffness that progressively worsens
- loss of balance
- headaches, particularly in the back of the head
- loss of control of the bladder or bowels (if spinal cord is compressed)
How is cervical osteoarthritis treated?
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.