The word “cervical spondylosis” refers to age-related wear and tear of the spinal discs in your body. Osteoarthritis symptoms include bony projections around the edges of bones as the discs dehydrate and shrink (bone spurs). Cervical spondylosis is a common condition that gets worse with age. Cervical spondylosis affects more than 85 percent of people over the age of 60.
The majority of people have no symptoms as a result of these issues. Nonsurgical therapies are often successful when symptoms do arise. Cervical spondylosis is a common age-related disease that affects the joints and discs in your neck’s cervical spine. Cervical osteoarthritis, or neck arthritis, is another name for it.
Causes
The bones and cartilage that make up your backbone and neck deteriorate as you get older. These modifications can include:
1) Dehydrated discs: Disks serve as cushions between your spine’s vertebrae. Most people’s spinal discs begin to dry out and shorten about the age of 40, allowing more bone-on-bone contact between the vertebrae.
2) Herniated discs: The exterior of your spinal discs is often affected by age. Cracks in the discs sometimes occur, resulting in bulging (herniated) discs that can strain on the spinal cord and nerve roots.
3) Bone spurs: As a result of disc degeneration, the spine frequently produces excessive amounts of bone in an attempt to strengthen the spine. The spinal cord and nerve roots can be pinched by these bone spurs.
4) Tight ligaments: Ligaments are tissue cords that bind bones. When you get older, your spinal ligaments stiffen, leaving your neck less flexible
Diagnosis
1) Examining the neck’s range of motion
2) Checking your reflexes and muscle strength to see if your spinal nerves or spinal cord are under strain.
3) Observing the gait to determine whether spinal compression is impacting it.