Osteoarthritis of the cervical spine is a typical condition of middle-aged and elderly people who suffer from 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, mainly neck pain is observed.Weakness and atrophy of the muscles in one or both arms may develop either before or after signs of spinal cord compression appear.
All symptoms: increased pain with physical activity, worsening pain when bending forward, weakness of one or both arms, jerky 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 may 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 their functions.Symptoms that occur may be the result of compression of the spinal cord or damage to the nerve roots.
Diagnostics
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 \u200b\u200bthe affected nerve roots.
List of diagnostic methods: magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), x-ray of the spine.
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 supporting the neck with a special collar, engaging in physical therapy, taking anti-inflammatory drugs, mild analgesics and muscle relaxants.But if the MRI reveals severe compression or if the disease progresses, surgery is needed 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 orthotics.