Osteoarthritis of the cervical spine is a condition typical of middle-aged and older people who experience degeneration of the intervertebral discs and joints of the cervical spine.
Symptoms
When the spinal cord is compressed, the first manifestation is usually a change in gait.Becomes unstable, leg movements become jerky (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 may develop before and after signs of spinal cord compression appear.
All symptoms: increased pain with physical activity, pain worsens when leaning forward, weakness of one or both arms, choppy gait, neck pain.
When to see a doctor
- For pain in the cervical spine.
- For tingling, loss of sensation, 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, compression of the nerve roots or spinal cord occurs, which causes disruption of its functions.The symptoms that arise may be the result of compression of the spinal cord or damage to the nerve roots.
Diagnosis
If osteoarthritis of the cervical spine is suspected, the doctor will prescribe a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which can identify the area of narrowing of the spinal canal, the degree of compression, and the area of affected nerve roots.
List of diagnostic methods: magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), spinal x-ray.
Treatment
Spinal cord dysfunction resulting from osteoarthritis of the cervical spine may resolve without treatment, but it may also progress.Initially, to alleviate the condition, the doctor will recommend holding the neck with a special collar, carrying out physiotherapy, taking anti-inflammatory drugs, mild pain relievers 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, since some nerve fibers in the spinal cord are irreversibly damaged.
Treatment methods: surgery, immobilization and orthoses.