Cervical Spondylosis

What is cervical spondylosis?

Cervical spondylosis is a gradual wearing down or degeneration of the cartilage and bones in the cervical spine (joints of the neck). Although it can be caused by injury, the condition is most commonly caused by normal activity.

Over time, the discs between vertebrae may begin to dry and shrink, slip, or collapse, causing the spaces between bone and disc to narrow or collapse. This places increasing pressure on the facets of the bone, which in turn also begin to deteriorate. Cartilage on bone ends may also wear away, eventually resulting in bone rubbing against bone.

To replace support lost from the cartilage, bones often develop new growth called bone spurs. Unfortunately, bone spurs often narrow the passageway for nerves running through the spine. This narrowing, or stenosis, puts pressure on the nerve and can cause severe pain.

Cervical spondylosis is not life threatening, but in some cases it can lead to nerve damage that can be debilitating. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) for serious symptoms of nerve compression, such as loss of sensation in the limbs or shoulders, loss of strength or coordination in the limbs, a complete loss of balance, or loss of bladder or bowel control. Also seek immediate care for pronounced weakness in the arms or legs, especially on one side of your body, or abnormal sensations in the limbs or shoulders.

Seek prompt medical care if you are being treated for cervical spondylosis but mild symptoms recur or are persistent.