Cervical spondylitis is a common, age-related condition that affects the joints and discs in your cervical spine, which is in your neck. It’s also known as cervical osteoarthritis or neck arthritis. It develops from wear and tear of cartilage and bones. It is a condition involving changes to the bones, discs, and joints of the neck. As the disks dehydrate and shrink, signs of osteoarthritis develop, including bony projections along the edges of bones (bone spurs).
The greatest risk factor for cervical spondylitis is aging. Cervical spondylitis occurs in the cervical spine—the seven small vertebrae that form the neck
Homeopathy Doctor in Delhi
Causes:
-
Bone spurs -These overgrowths of bone are the result of the body trying to grow extra bone to make the spine stronger. However, the extra bone can press on delicate areas of the spine, such as the spinal cord and nerves, resulting in pain.
-
Dehydrated spinal discs- Your spinal bones have discs between them, which are thick, pad-like cushions that absorb the shock of lifting, twisting, and other activities. The gel-like material inside these discs can dry out over time. This causes your bones (spinal vertebrae) to rub together more, which can be painful.
-
Injury- If you’ve had an injury to your neck, such as during a fall or car accident, this can accelerate the aging process.
-
Ligament stiffness
-
Overuse – Some occupations or hobbies involve repetitive movements or heavy lifting, such as construction work. This can put extra pressure on the spine, resulting in early wear and tear.
Symptoms:
Symptoms typically include pain and stiffness in the neck. It is sometimes worsened by looking up or looking down for a long time, or by activities in which the neck is held in the same position for a prolonged period of time—such as driving or reading a book. The pain usually improves with rest or lying down.
Other symptoms may include:
-
Headaches
-
Grinding or popping noise or sensation when you turn your neck
-
In some cases, cervical spondylitis results in a narrowing of the space needed for the spinal cord or nerve roots. If this occurs, your symptoms may include numbness and weakness in the arms, hands, and fingers
-
Trouble walking, loss of balance, or weakness in the hands or legs
-
Muscle spasms in the neck and shoulders
Diagnosis of cervical spondylitis is done by taking the complete medical history and physical exam is done to confirm the diagnosis
-
Strength—in your arms, hands, and fingers
-
Touch sensation
-
Reflexes
-
Blood flow
-
Flexibility—in your neck and arms
-
Gait (the way you walk)
-
Homeopathy Doctor in Delhi
X-ray will reveal the degenerative changes in cervical spine—such as the loss of disk height or the presence of bone spurs.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.
