Medical Symptom Tool To Learn About Cervical Spondylosis
Cervical spondylosis symptoms ordinarily present as pain and stiffness in the neck and the signs and symptoms may radiate into the arms or hands. The ailment is defined as degeneration of the spinal joints and bones of the neck and is identified to varying degrees in most men and women above the age of 60. This write-up will help you comprehend the medical symptom diagnosis of cervical spondylosis as well as the remedies available.
Cervical Spondylosis Symptoms And Causes
Symptoms will range relying on the extent of degeneration present but may involve:
- Pain or stiffness of the neck
- Pain and discomfort which radiates down the arms or hands
- Tingling or numbness into the shoulders, arms or hands
- Weakness of the shoulders, arms or hands and fingers
- Grinding or “crunching” noise in the neck upon motion
- Headaches
- Dizziness
Spondylosis of the cervical spine is an arthritic condition that is induced by chronic wearing down of the bones, disks and joints. Overtime abnormal growths may form on the bones of the spine termed bone spurs, that can result in pressure on the spinal nerve roots that travel to the shoulders and arms. These changes can be brought on by wear & tear of the joints or by previous trauma to the backbone . The risk rises with a history of trauma, spinal surgical treatment or advanced age.
Cervical Spondylosis Diagnosis And Treatment
A formal diagnosis is made by a health care provider via a physical exam and tests, which may involve a CT Scan, MRI, x-ray or EMG (electromyography – a medical test that checks the wellness of the muscle groups and nerves).
Remedy for mild situations of cervical spondylosis incorporate the use of pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medication such as Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Heat can relieve pain and stiffness in neck.
More advanced cases may demand narcotic medicines or muscle relaxants or cortisone injections to the area of the spine that is affected. Other medications may be prescribed to help alleviate the continual pain like phenytoin, carbamazepine, or tricyclic anti depressants (i.e. amitriptyline).
Physical therapy may be suggested to find out exercises to alleviate the cervical spondylosis signs or symptoms.
Surgery to relieve pressure on the nerves is a possibility if the pain doesn’t ease with the use of the above discussed conservative steps or if there is any loss of movement or feeling.
