Cervical Spondylosis Symptoms
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Chronic neck pain, particularly with motion
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Pain in Head, Thorax region
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Numbness of arms
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Pain in fingers
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Stiffness in Neck Region
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Muscle weakness, with numbness in the neck and arms, perhaps also the hands and fingers
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Tenderness to the touch at the neck itself
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Stiffness which limits movement of the neck
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Headache
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Loss of Balance
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Giddiness
Degeneration of the cervical vertebrae can produce several different conditions affecting the spinal cord and nerve roots. Bony ridges, called osteophytes, often develop on the vertebrae as a result of arthritic change, reducing space for the spinal cord and limiting movement of the neck. The facets of the vertebrae (those portions that interlock with each other, forming joints in the structure of the spine) may also show wear and tear.
Occasionally one of the soft disks cushioning the vertebrae may rupture, resulting in a herniated disk. When this happens, there is usually pressure against the spinal cord or nerve roots also. A herniated disk is a distinct problem, however, usually occurring as a single instance, whereas cervical spine arthritis is a progressive, chronic process that waxes and wanes over time. Cervical disc hernias usually result in prominent arm and hand pain rather than neck pain.
About 5-10% of patients who have symptomatic cervical arthritis develop myelopathy, or compression of the long tracts of the spinal cord. This may produce symptoms of weakness, a loss of sensation or of one’s sense of position in space, and incontinence. As strange as it may seem, neck and radiating nerve pain is unusual in these cases.
Here are some detailed ubderstanding about the signs and symptoms of the Cervical Spondylosis
Cervical spondylosis can lead to chronic pain and stiffness in the neck that may also lead numbness of the upper extremities.
- Well the most common symptoms with which these patients approach the doctor are-
Pain and stiffness in the neck.
The pain and stiffness could be confined to the neck alone
There could be radiation of the pain from the neck to the right hand
There could be radiation of the pain from the neck to the left hand
There could be radiation of the pain from the neck to the back of the head
There could be giddiness associated with pain and stiffness
There could be only pain in the upper arm
There could be numbness in the tips of the fingers
These above symptoms could all suggest that you could be suffering from a condition known as - cervical spondylosis
- Neck stiffness and pain may be worse with upright activities.
- Numbness and weakness may appear in the arms, hands, and fingers, and weakness in the legs.
- May feel or hear grinding or popping in the neck when you move.
- Muscle spasms or headaches.
- May feel irritable and fatigue, disturb sleep and impair your ability to work.
The diagnosis is usually through physical examination and imaging.
- Physical exam - the doctor may identify tender spots along the neck and evaluate your ability to move the neck in various directions. The function of the nerves and muscles in the arms and legs may be tested.
- Imaging - X-rays and MRI studies may be used to show bone spur and other abnormalities and reveal the extent of damage to the cervical spine.
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Sign Symtoms of Cervical Spondylosis