Symptoms of Cervical Spondylosis: What You Should Know to Prevent It

Cervical spondylosis is a condition that affects many people, not just the elderly. It can also occur in individuals who engage in risky behaviors such as overusing the neck, leading to pain or even causing cervical spondylosis. In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatments that everyone should be aware of. Let’s take a look!

Table of Contents

Causes of Cervical Spondylosis

The cervical spine is composed of several key components: the cervical vertebrae, intervertebral discs, and the joints of the neck. Normally, this area is flexible and allows a wide range of motion in the head, including flexion, extension, and rotation. As a result, the cervical spine plays a crucial role in the body. The main causes of cervical spondylosis include:

Aging:

As we age, our body and joints gradually deteriorate. This affects the cervical spine as well. Typically, those over the age of 30 experience a reduction in the water content of the intervertebral discs, causing them to degenerate. By the age of 40, the joints of the cervical spine deteriorate more rapidly, leading to cervical spondylosis.

Trauma:

Individuals who have had neck injuries, whether severe or minor (such as whiplash or falls), are at a higher risk of developing cervical spondylosis.

Improper Neck Usage:

Poor posture and repetitive movements, such as frequently tilting or extending the head, or sitting in the same position for long periods of time, can accelerate the degeneration of the cervical joints. Athletes, particularly those involved in sports like football (where heading the ball is common), are also at risk.

Individuals with Underlying Conditions Affecting the Cervical Spine:

It’s not just lifestyle choices, accidents, or aging that can contribute to cervical spine degeneration. People with congenital conditions are also at risk of experiencing accelerated wear and tear of the neck vertebrae. Some examples of such conditions include:

Klippel-Feil Syndrome: This is a congenital disorder where two or more cervical vertebrae are fused together,
Cervical Dystonia: This is a condition where the muscles in the neck cannot be controlled, causing abnormal movements of the head and neck. These involuntary movements can contribute to the degeneration of the cervical spine at an accelerated pace compared to the general population.

While these conditions are relatively rare, they can significantly impact the health of the cervical spine, making it essential for individuals with such conditions to be aware of the potential for early degeneration.

Symptoms of Cervical Spondylosis

Cervical spondylosis significantly impacts daily life. The symptoms can be grouped
into 3 main categories:

Axial Neck Pain: This is a pain in the neck that may radiate to the occipital area, shoulders, and upper back. It results from degenerating cervical joints or intervertebral discs.
Radiculopathy: This condition occurs when degenerated discs or bone spurs press on the nerve roots. It causes pain that radiates down the arms, potentially reaching the fingers. Numbness or weakness in the arms or hands may also occur.
Myelopathy: This is the most severe form of cervical spondylosis. It involves compression of the spinal cord and can cause symptoms such as muscle spasms, difficulty with hand functions (e.g., buttoning shirts, writing), imbalance while walking, or even incontinence. Notably, patients with myelopathy may not experience neck pain.

Patients diagnosed with cervical spondylosis may exhibit any of these symptoms individually or in combination. Typically, mild cases involve axial neck pain, while more severe cases may include radiculopathy or myelopathy.

Treatment of Cervical Spondylosis

If you suspect that you are suffering from cervical spondylosis, it is essential to consult an experienced orthopedic doctor for evaluation and diagnosis. Your doctor will work with you to determine the most suitable treatment plan. The primary treatment options include:

Lifestyle Modifications:

For mild cases, your doctor may recommend adjusting daily habits. This may include avoiding excessive neck movement, such as frequent tilting or turning, as well as ensuring that you do not stay in one position for too long.

Medication:

While there is no medication to directly treat cervical spondylosis, pain relief and muscle relaxation medications can help alleviate discomfort. These include anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, and nerve pain relievers. These medications are particularly effective for patients experiencing axial neck pain or radiculopathy.

Physical Therapy:

Physical therapy can include a variety of treatments, such as strengthening exercises and modern equipment to help relieve pain and restore function. Some specific physical therapy techniques include:

Isometric Exercises:These exercises involve holding the neck muscles in a contracted state, pushing against the head with your hands for 10-15 seconds,while your neck doesn’t move, 10-15 repetitions, twice daily.
Heat Therapy: Applying warm towels or heat pads to the painful areas for 10-15 minutes can help relieve discomfort.

Ultrasound Therapy: High-frequency sound waves are used to penetrate deep into the muscle tissue to alleviate pain and promote healing.
Shockwave Therapy: This technique uses pressure waves to stimulate the painful area, reducing pain and enhancing healing.

Red Cord Therapy: This device helps realign muscle function, reducing pain from poor posture or movement.

Surgical Treatment for Cervical Spine Degeneration

Surgery may be considered for treating cervical spine degeneration under the following circumstances:

Severe Pain Unresponsive to Initial Treatments:
If the patient continues to experience intense pain that interferes with daily life despite undergoing conservative treatments, such as medication and physical therapy.
Worsening Symptoms or Severe Weakness:
If follow-up evaluations reveal that the patient’s condition is not improving, or if there is significant muscle weakness, such as weakness in the arms or difficulty lifting the arms.
Spinal Cord Compression (Myelopathy): If the patient exhibits symptoms of spinal cord compression, such as stiffness in the arms and legs or loss of control over bowel and bladder function.

The decision to proceed with surgery will ultimately depend on the patient’s specific case and the physician’s evaluation. In most surgical cases, the procedure involves removing the source of compression on the nerve roots or spinal cord. Advanced techniques, such as microscopic surgery or Endoscopic surgery, are often used to perform these minimally invasive procedures. These cutting-edge technologies, including those available at ‘kdms’ Specialized Orthopedic Hospital, provide highly effective treatment options with reduced recovery times.

Considerations for Cervical Spondylosis Surgery

If surgery is required, patients must follow the doctor’s instructions carefully, including:

Avoiding certain movements such as tilting or turning the head frequently.
Wearing a cervical collar for about 4 weeks to support the neck, or a recovery period of 1-2 weeks for those who have undergone disc replacement surgery.

What Happens if Cervical Spondylosis is Left Untreated?

Cervical spondylosis can range from mild discomfort to severe pain. If left untreated, it can lead to complications such as:

Severe nerve root compression that may not improve even after surgery.
Myelopathy, which can result in disability or permanent impairment if not addressed.

Cervical spondylosis is a condition that can significantly affect your quality of life. However, if treated early, symptoms can be managed through various methods, including physical therapy, lifestyle changes, or even surgery. With appropriate treatment, it is possible to return to a normal, active life.

Article by: Assoc. Prof. Koopong Siribumrungwong, M.D., Specialist in Spine Surgoen

Get to know! What is the innovative endoscopic cervical spine surgery

Endoscope is a tool used in endoscopic spine surgery to enhance precision and treatment effectiveness by minimizing surrounding tissue damage. This technique employs either a single-portal approach with a standard endoscope size of 8-12 mm or a two-portal approach with 4 mm endoscopes and separate ports for inserting surgical instruments.

In principle, the endoscope functions by the surgeon making a small incision and then inserting the endoscope into the designated area. The advantage of using an endoscope is that it provides the surgeon with a clearer and more precise view during the operation, eliminating the need for large incisions. This enhances treatment effectiveness and reduces the likelihood of potential errors. The decision to opt for endoscopic treatment depends on the surgeon’s discretion and the individual patient’s condition.

What are the advantages of Endoscopic Spine Surgery at kdms?

Endoscopic Spine Surgery Technology: ‘Small incision, less pain, fast recovery.

The specialized medical team at kdms – Koddee Meesuk Orthopedic Hospital has extensive experience in treating patients with bone and joint problems. They are highly skilled in using Endoscopic technology, a technique that requires high precision. This surgical approach not only minimizes incision size but also enhances treatment accuracy, ensuring patients receive care from the best experts.

Comprehensive and Attentive Care: Beyond our expertise in treatment, we focus on providing comprehensive and attentive service at every stage, from initial assessment and consultation to surgery and post-operative care. Patients receive close supervision from our expert medical and nursing teams, ensuring effective post-operative rehabilitation.

Following treatment and surgery with the endoscopic method, patients can regain a better quality of life. Rapid recovery allows patients to return to their beloved activities with fewer limitations compared to traditional treatments. Furthermore, endoscopic surgery helps reduce long-term pain, enabling patients to live their daily lives happily and without worry.วามกังวล

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