Osteoarthritis of the cervical spine is a condition typical of middle-aged and elderly people who experience degeneration of the intervertebral discs and joints in the cervical spine.
Symptoms
When the spinal cord is compressed, the first manifestation is usually a change in gait.It becomes unstable, the movements of the legs become sharp (spastic).When the nerve roots are damaged, pain in the neck is mainly observed.Weakness and atrophy of the muscles of one or both arms can develop before and after the appearance of signs of spinal cord compression.
All symptoms: increased pain with physical activity, pain worsens when bending forward, weakness of one or both arms, brisk walking, neck pain.
When you see a doctor
- For pain in the cervical spine.
- For tingling, numbness, arm pain, shoulder joints.
- For frequent headaches.
- For dizziness.
Specialists: neurologist (neurologist), neurologist (neurologist), orthopedist.
reason
Osteoarthritis of the cervical spine can be associated with a narrowing of the spinal canal through which the spinal cord passes.As a result, compression of the nerve roots or spinal cord occurs, which causes disruption of their functions.The symptoms that appear can be the result of either compression of the spinal cord or damage to the nerve roots.
Diagnosing
If osteoarthritis of the cervical spine is suspected, the doctor will prescribe magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which can identify the narrowing area of the spinal canal, the degree of compression and the area of affected nerve roots.
List of diagnostic methods: magnetic resonance (MRI), X-ray of the spine.
Treatment
Spinal cord dysfunction resulting from osteoarthritis of the cervical spine can resolve without treatment, but it can also progress.Initially, to alleviate the condition, the doctor will advise supporting the neck with a special collar, exercising physical therapy, taking anti-inflammatory medications, mild analgesics and muscle relaxants.But if the MRI reveals severe compression or if the disease progresses, then surgery is necessary to stop the process.However, it will not eliminate the changes that have already occurred, as some nerve fibers in the spinal cord have been irreversibly damaged.
Treatment methods: surgery, immobilization and orthotics.