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Cervical spondylosis    See images

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

Cervical osteoarthritis

Definition:

A disorder that results from abnormal growth of the bones of the neck (cervical vertebrae) and degeneration and mineral deposits in the cushions between the vertebrae (cervical disks).

Causes and Risks

Cervical spondylosis results from chronic degeneration of the cervical spine including the cushions between the neck vertebrae (cervical disks) and joints between the bones of the cervical spine. There may be abnormal growths or "spurs" on the vertebrae (the bones of the spine).

This accumulated changes from degeneration can gradually compress of one or more of the nerve roots. This can cause increasing pain in the neck and arm, weakness, and changes in sensation. In advanced cases, the spinal cord becomes involved which can affect not just the arms but the legs as well.

A previous neck injury (which may have occurred several years previously) can predispose to spondylosis, but the major risk factor is aging. By age 60, 70 percent of women and 85 percent of men show changes consistent with cervical spondylosis on X-ray.

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