Cervical spondylitis, also known as Cervical spondylosis, is a condition in which there is strain in the spinal disc and vertebrae. It causes neck pain and headaches. Also, it can sometimes cause nerves to compress, thereby resulting in numbness and weakness in the hands and arms. Cervical spondylosis occurs when the soft discs cushioning the vertebrae become compressed. Spurs are formed on the vertebrae. The condition worsens with increasing age.
Symptoms of cervical spondylosis
- Stiff neck
- Neck pain
- A knot in either or both sides of the neck
- Muscle spasms
- Dizziness
- Headache
- A grinding sound while moving your neck
- Pain spreading to the shoulder and arm
- Muscle weakness in the arm and shoulder
- Numbness
A kind of referred pain that is caused by the degeneration of the disc and vertebrae of the neck is the pain in the chest. Pain moves from the neck to the chest and shoulders. It can also cause shortness of breath. This chest pain seems like a heart attack as it produces pain in the upper limbs, as well as the shoulder and the chest.
Causes
Cervical Spondylitis has become a common issue which can be caused by various factors:
- Degeneration of the bones in the neck
- Herniated discs
- Osteoarthritis
- Spinal stenosis
- Bone spurs
All these cause discomfort and pain in the upper limbs and neck. Many people are unaware that they have developed spondylosis in their neck. They come to know about it when the pain becomes unbearable, and they get it checked.
Triggers
These triggers can aggravate the condition of spondylosis:
- History of any neck injury
- Lifting heavy objects can cause strain in the neck
- Family history of cervical spondylosis
- Continuous working for prolonged hours without any neck movements in between.
- Ageing can cause degeneration of bones.
Diagnosis
Spondylosis can be diagnosed with the help of screening. By looking at the posture and spinal curvature, the doctor may recommend further imaging tests like:
- CT scans to check the X-rays of the spine.
- MRI uses strong radio waves as well as magnets to produce images of the spinal cord’s internal structure.
Cure and treatment
Various treatment options are available to cure cervical spondylosis. The treatment of spondylosis includes:
- Non-steroidal medication and painkillers can be given to help ease the pain.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs can improve muscle weakness.
- The neck collar can provide support to the neck.
- Orthotic neck bracing can be helpful in many cases.
- Rest is very important until the injured area heals.
- Botox treatment helps in improving the functioning and positioning of the muscles. In this, Botulinum toxin, a kind of local injection, is injected into the cervical muscles to treat the spasms.
- Exercises and physiotherapy may help in maintaining the mobility of the neck and arms. They can help in restoring strength and flexibility.
- In severe cases, surgery may be required if the nerve roots or the spinal cord are compressed.
Conclusion
Kalyan Hospital specialises in all kinds of orthopaedic afflictions. We provide the best treatment involving surgical procedures as well. Our team provides comprehensive orthopaedic services, adhering to the ethics. Our hospital is one of the most reputed orthopaedic hospitals in Ludhiana. Must visit if you are suffering from any kind of arthritic pain. We will treat you to ensure a speedy recovery.
