Cervical osteoarthritis is a typical disease of middle-aged and elderly people, in which the intervertebral discs and joints of the cervical spine degenerate.
symptom
When the spinal cord is compressed, the first sign is usually a change in gait.It becomes unstable and the leg movements become jerky (spastic).When nerve roots are damaged, the main symptom is neck pain.Muscle weakness and atrophy in one or both arms may occur before and after symptoms of spinal cord compression appear.
All symptoms: Pain that worsens with physical activity, pain that worsens when bending forward, weakness in one or both arms, unsteady gait, neck pain.
When to see a doctor
- For cervical pain.
- Used for tingling, loss of sensitivity, and pain in arms and shoulder joints.
- Suitable for frequent headaches.
- Used for dizziness.
Specialists: neurologist (neurologist), neurologist (neurologist), orthopedic surgeon.
reason
Osteoarthritis of the cervical spine may be accompanied by narrowing of the spinal canal through which the spinal cord passes.As a result, the nerve roots or spinal cord become compressed, causing disruption of their function.Symptoms may be the result of spinal cord compression or nerve root damage.
diagnosis
If osteoarthritis is suspected in the cervical spine, your doctor will order a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test, which can identify areas of narrowing of the spinal canal, levels of pressure, and areas of affected nerve roots.
List of diagnostic methods: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), spine X-ray.
treat
Spinal cord dysfunction caused by cervical osteoarthritis may resolve without treatment, but it may also worsen.Initially, to relieve the condition, doctors will recommend a special collar to support the neck, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, mild analgesics, and muscle relaxants.But if the MRI shows severe compression or disease progression, surgery is needed to stop the process.However, it will not undo the changes that have already occurred, as some nerve fibers in the spinal cord are irreversibly damaged.
Treatment: Surgery, immobilization, and orthotics.