brain, spinal cord, and nerve disorders
Cervical Spondylosis
Introduction
Cervical spondylosis is degeneration of the bones in the neck (vertebrae) and the disks between them, putting pressure on (compressing) the spinal cord in the neck. Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of cervical spondylosis. The first symptoms are often an unsteady, jerky walk and pain and loss of flexibility in the neck. Magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography can confirm the diagnosis. Treatment includes a soft neck collar, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and sometimes surgery. (See also Overview of Spinal Cord Disorders and Cervical Spinal Stenosis.) Cervical spondylosis usually affects middle-aged and older people. It is a common cause of spinal cord dysfunction among people older than 60. As people age, Osteoarthritis (OA) becomes more common. It causes vertebrae in the neck to degenerate. When bone in the vertebrae attempts to repair itself, it overgrows, producing abnormal outgrowths of bone (spurs) and narrowing of the spinal canal in the neck. (The spinal canal is the passageway that runs through the center of the spine and contains the spinal cord.) The disks between the vertebrae degenerate, causing the spinal canal to narrow even more. Normally, the disks cushion and protect the spine. But the degenerated disks no longer provide cushioning. As a result, the spinal cord is more susceptible to injury caused by sudden movements. For example, minor neck trauma due to a fall can severely damage the spinal cord. These age-related changes may gradually result in Some people are born with a narrow spinal canal. In them, compression due to spondylosis may cause more severe problems. Often, the spinal nerve roots (the part of spinal nerves located next to the spinal cord—see figure How the Spine Is Organized ) are also compressed. 