Cervical Spondylosis | Arthritis Information

 

Cervical spondylosis is a general term for age-related wear and tear affecting the joints in the neck. It is also known as cervical osteoarthritis and degenerative osteoarthritis. This condition usually appears in men and women older than 40 and progresses with age. Men usually develop it at an earlier age than women do. It can lead to episodes of stiffness and neck pain.

With age, the bones and cartilage that make up the backbone and neck gradually deteriorate. Sometimes there is formation of irregular bony outgrowths called bone spurs. These changes are characteristic of cervical spondylosis. Even so, many people with signs of cervical spondylosis on X-rays manage to escape the associated symptoms, which include pain, stiffness and muscle spasms.

In more serious cases of cervical spondylosis, changes in the structure of bones or joints in the neck can cause nerves to get pinched or compressed. They may also cause them to press against nearby blood vessels. This can temporarily block the flow of blood and lead to more serious symptoms, such as lack of feeling in the hands and legs, a loss of co-ordination and, less commonly, loss of bladder control.

Cervical spondylosis is primarily an age-related condition. In most cases the symptoms can be controlled using a combination of over-the-counter (OTC) medication, such as ibuprofen, and exercise. In more serious cases where there is evidence of damage to the nerves, surgery may be required.

According to Medilexicon's medical dictionary, Cervical spondylosis is "spondylosis affecting the cervical vertebrae, intervertebral discs, and surrounding soft tissue."

What are the signs and symptoms of cervical spondylosis?

A symptom is something the patient feels and reports, while a sign is something other people, such as the doctor detect. For example, pain may be a symptom while a rash may be a sign.

The majority of people with cervical spondylosis will only experience episodes of stiffness and neck pain.

Other symptoms can occur:

• If there is a slipped disc or changes in bone structure, it pinches or irritates a nearby nerve (cervical radiculopathy).
  
• if the bones in the neck begin to press against blood vessels.
  
• if the spinal column becomes narrower, compressing the nerves inside (cervical myelopathy).

Symptoms of cervical radiculopathy: If a nerve becomes pinched or irritated, the whole length of the nerve can be affected. Depending on the affected nerve, there can be pain radiating from the neck into the arm, shoulder, head or chest. Also, there may be some numbness in the part of the body that the nerve travels to.

Symptoms of compressed blood vessels: If the bones in the neck begin to press against the blood vessels, it can reduce the flow of blood to the brain. The reduction of blood is too small to cause any serious problems. However, it can cause brief blackouts and episodes of dizziness, especially when looking in an upward direction. In some cases, the bones can also press against the esophagus. This can lead to difficulties in swallowing (dysphagia).

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/172015.phpThis is probably what my aunt has. I know she has osteo and spondylosis sometimes her food gets stuck in her esophogus and we have to take her to the hospital to get the food removed.
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