Osteoarthritis of the cervical vertebrae is a condition typical of middle-aged and older people who experience degeneration of the intervertebral discs and joints in the cervical vertebrae.
Symptoms
When the spinal cord is compressed, the first manifestation is usually a change in gait.It becomes unstable, leg movements become jerky (spastic).In case of damage to the nerve roots, pain in the neck is mainly observed.Weakness and atrophy of the muscles of one or both arms can develop both before and after the appearance of signs of spinal cord compression.
All symptoms: increased pain with physical activity, pain worse when bending forward, weakness in one or both arms, jerky gait, neck pain.
When to see a doctor
- For pain in the cervical vertebrae.
- For numbness, loss of sensitivity, pain in the arm, shoulder joint.
- With frequent headaches.
- For dizziness.
Specialists: neurologist (neurologist), neurologist (neurologist), orthopedist.
Reasons
Osteoarthritis of the cervical spine can 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 leads to disruption of their functions.The symptoms that occur can be the result of either compression of the spinal cord or damage to the nerve roots.
Diagnosis
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 the affected nerve roots.
List of diagnostic methods: nuclear magnetic resonance (MRI), radiography 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 advise to support the neck with a special collar, to do physical therapy, to take anti-inflammatory drugs, mild analgesics and muscle relaxants.But if the MRI reveals severe compression or if the disease progresses, then surgery is needed to stop the process.However, this will not remove the changes that have already occurred, as some nerve fibers in the spinal cord are irreversibly damaged.
Treatment methods: surgery, immobilization and orthotics.