Osteoarthritis of the cervical spine is a condition common to middle-aged and older 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.He becomes uncertain, leg movements become jerky (convulsive).When the nerve roots are damaged, neck pain is mainly observed.Weakness and atrophy of the muscles of one or both arms may develop before or after the appearance of signs of spinal cord compression.
All symptoms: increased pain with physical activity, increased pain when bending forward, weakness in one or both arms, jerky gait, neck pain.
When to see a doctor
- For pain in the cervical spine.
- Tingling, loss of sensitivity, pain in the arm, shoulder joint.
- For frequent headaches.
- For dizziness.
Specialists: neurologist (neurologist), neurologist (neurologist), orthopedist.
Reasons
Osteoarthritis of the cervical spine can be accompanied by a narrowing of the spinal canal through which the spinal cord passes.As a result, nerve roots or spinal cord are compressed, which causes functional disorders.The emerging symptoms may be the result of compression of the spinal cord or damage to the nerve roots.
Diagnostics
If osteoarthritis of the cervical spine is suspected, the doctor prescribes magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which can identify the area of spinal canal narrowing, the degree of compression and the area of affected nerve roots.
List of diagnostic methods: magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray of the spine.
Treatment
Spinal cord dysfunction resulting from osteoarthritis of the cervical spine may resolve without treatment, but may progress.Initially, in order to alleviate the condition, the doctor advises to support the neck with a special collar, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory drugs, mild pain relievers and muscle relaxants.But if the MRI reveals severe compression, or if the disease progresses, surgery is needed to stop the process.However, it does not eliminate the changes that have already occurred, as certain nerve fibers of the spinal cord are irreversibly damaged.
Treatment methods: surgery, immobilization and orthopedics.