We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Cervical spondylosis is a common, age-related condition that affects the joints and discs in your cervical spine, which is in your neck. It develops from the wear and tear of cartilage and bones.
According to the Cleveland Clinic , the condition is present in more than 90 percent of people aged 60 and older. Some people who have it never experience symptoms. For others, it can cause chronic, severe pain and stiffness. However, many people who have it are able to conduct normal daily activities. The bones and protective cartilage in your neck are prone to wear and tear that can lead to cervical spondylosis.
Possible causes of the condition include:. These overgrowths of bone are the result of the body trying to grow extra bone to make the spine stronger. However, the extra bone can press on delicate areas of the spine, such as the spinal cord and nerves , resulting in pain.
Your spinal bones have discs between them, which are thick, padlike cushions that absorb the shock of lifting, twisting, and other activities. The gel-like material inside these discs can dry out over time.
This causes your bones spinal vertebrae to rub together more, which can be painful. This process can begin to happen in your 30s. Spinal discs can develop cracks, which allows leakage of the internal cushioning material. This material can press on the spinal cord and nerves, resulting in symptoms such as arm numbness as well as pain that radiates down an arm. Learn more about herniated discs. The tough cords that connect your spinal bones to each other can become even stiffer over time, which affects your neck movement and makes the neck feel tight.
Some occupations or hobbies involve repetitive movements or heavy lifting such as construction work. Ligaments and muscles are attached to the back of the spine, and help facilitate movement of the joints of the spine.
Spinal osteoarthritis affects the vertebral facet joints that enable the body to bend and twist. As the facet joints deteriorate, cartilage may become inflamed and eventually start to break away from the joint surfaces. Vertebrae begin to rub together, and the surrounding nerves and tissues can become inflamed, making movement painful. Osteoarthritis also may trigger the formation of osteophytes bone spurs , that in the spine can cause the disc space to narrow and the affected disc to collapse.
Osteoarthritis can cause stiffness and pain in the neck or in the lower back. Cervical arthritis also called cervical spondylosis affects the upper spine and neck. Lumbar or lumbosacral arthritis affects the lower back and pelvic area. For most people, cervical spondylosis causes no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they typically include pain and stiffness in the neck. Sometimes, cervical spondylosis results in a narrowing of the space needed by the spinal cord and the nerve roots that pass through the spine to the rest of your body.
If the spinal cord or nerve roots become pinched, you might experience:. Seek medical attention if you notice a sudden onset of numbness or weakness, or loss of bladder or bowel control. Cervical spondylosis is the degeneration of the bones and disks in the neck, which can lead to a variety of problems, including herniated disks and bone spurs.
As you age, the bones and cartilage that make up your backbone and neck gradually develop wear and tear. These changes can include:. If your spinal cord or nerve roots become severely compressed as a result of cervical spondylosis, the damage can be permanent.
Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Some serious symptoms that could result include difficulty gripping objects or even problems with walking or coordination. If the spinal cord or a nerve root is compressed for long enough without seeking medical attention, permanent damage can occur. See What Is Cervical Radiculopathy? Cervical Osteophytes: Bone Spurs in the Neck.
Osteoarthritis Complete Treatment Guide. Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease Video. You are here Conditions Arthritis. Cervical Osteoarthritis Neck Arthritis share pin it Newsletters. Peer Reviewed.
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