Cervical spondylosis is another name for degenerative osteoarthritis, which affects the bones (vertebrae) in the uppermost part of the spine, the neck (also known as the cervical spine). It causes both narrowing of the space between the vertebrae and benign bony growths, called osteophytes, to develop on the vertebrae.
Men are more often affected than women, and are usually in their 40s or older when the first symptoms begin to trouble them.
Osteoarthritis, which causes cervical spondylosis, is often described as 'wear and tear of the bones and joints'. This makes it sound as though the bones are becoming tattered and ground down, when in fact it's an active degenerative process involving inflammation and abnormal new bone growth.
Although we don’t yet understand why the degeneration begins, genetics undoubtedly play a part; vulnerability to osteoarthritis runs in families. Injury may play a part in triggering the degeneration process, particularly when in younger men. But in many cases there's no obvious trigger.
Symptoms
Because of the inflammation in the spine, pain occurs in the neck and back of the head when the head is moved. Shooting pains from the shoulders to the hands are common, as is numbness, tingling, and weakness in the arms and hands.
This may occur when the bony growths that develop put pressure the nerves. These growths may also press on blood vessels, temporarily blocking blood flow. When someone with cervical spondylosis turns their head quickly, this obstructs blood flow, causing them to feel dizzy, faint, and sometimes see double.
Treatment
Cervical spondylosis can't be cured, but often doesn't get any worse. The symptoms can be treated with painkillers and anti-inflammatory medicines that ease the pain and discomfort.
Doctors may recommend physiotherapy to help strengthen the surrounding muscles and improve neck mobility. If a nerve has been damaged or the spine is felt to be unstable, surgery may be performed.
This article was last medically reviewed by Dr Trisha Macnair in November 2007
