Signs and Symptoms of Cervical Spondylosis

Cervical is a medical term for the neck part of a certain organ. On the other hand, spondylosis is a term used to refer to the degeneration of joints between adjacent vertebrae. When combined together, cervical spondylosis simply means the abnormal wearing of the joints of the neck spine caused by old-age or consequent pressure. However, its effects are not simple. The joints between adjacent vertebrae degenerate narrowing and compressing the nerve roots from the spine and may result to problems in or disturbances of motor skills. Cervical spondylosis is also called neck arthritis, cervical osteoarthritis and chronic neck pain.

How to know if you have Cervical Spondylosis?

Usually, cervical spondylosis do not manifest any symptom at early stages. Also, most common causes are found in populations aged more than 60. But, when it gets worse, stiffness and pain in the neck area are commonly and constantly felt. This pain is caused by the thinning of joints between the vertebrae in the neck area. And because the nerves in these area are pinched and compressed, disturbances in motor skills like losing balance, lack of coordination and difficulty in walking may be experienced. This phenomenon is also called cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

Aside from myelopathy, paresthesia and radiculopathy or radicular symptoms may also be experienced. Paresthesia is a phenomenon of shocks in hands and legs because of pinched nerves and lack of blood flow which is a likely result of the compression. Radiculopathy or radicular symptoms can also be felt like tingling sensations, numbness and weakness in the arms, legs and hands or feet. Suboccipital pain is also prevalent with people having cervical spondylosis. This pain covers the area of the neck and the lower back of the head. Another symptom of a rather severe or worsening cervical spondylosis is lost bowel or lost bladder control.

If you feel the above-mentioned signs (any of paresthesia, myelopathy, radiculopathy or radicular symptoms and suboccipital pain) and lost bowel or bladder control, consult your physician immediately.

With busy schedules and deadlines to meet, people have a higher tendency of ignoring what they believe as simple pain which will eventually go away. But what if the assumed simple pain is an early manifestation of a sickness you will have when you get older? Cervical Spondylosis is rare to cause crippling or paralysis. But again, don't you want to have an at ease retirement which is without any complication? Visit your doctor frequently and not when all your organs have deteriorated. Having constant medical check-ups and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will be helpful to prevent future illness like cervical spondylosis.