The cervical spine is the most flexible part of your spine, allowing head movement in different directions. Unfortunately, its mobility makes it prone to injuries that may affect the vertebrae, joints, muscles, and ligaments. Other times Edison cervical conditions are due to degeneration or breakdown of the spinal structures, which may occur as you age or due to stress and smoking. If you have a cervical spine disorder, you may experience neck pain that may radiate to your arms, head, shoulders, head, arms, and legs. Below are common cervical spine disorders.

Cervical spinal stenosis

Cervical spinal stenosis is a narrowing or constriction of the spinal nerve root passages along the neck region in your spine. When the spinal cord becomes smaller, the nerves may become compressed, resulting in symptoms such as pain, numbness, weakness, and tingling in your neck, shoulders, and other extremities. Cervical spinal stenosis mainly occurs due to degeneration or wear and tear affecting the anatomical structures of your neck as due to aging. That explains why spinal stenosis is prevalent among adults in their 50s and 60s.

Most patients with cervical spinal stenosis respond to non-surgical treatments such as medication, physical therapy, and spinal injections. Other patients may find alternative therapies such as acupuncture to be helpful.

Cervical herniated disc

The vertebrae have discs that cushion the spine and act as shock absorbers. The discs have a soft jelly-like center (nucleus) and a tough outer membrane (annulus). As you age, the annulus wears out, forming a tear or weak spot through which the inner contents of the disc can push through or bulge out. A disc may rupture or bulge anywhere along the spine, but the neck and lower back are commonly affected. If a disc presses on a nerve, you may have pain, numbness, and weakness in the muscles served by the affected nerves.

The pain may come and go, or you may have flare-ups when doing certain activities. Most cases of cervical spinal stenosis improve with non-surgical treatments such as hot or cold compresses, over-the-counter pain relievers, and physical therapy. Occasionally, doctors prescribe oral steroids or administer epidurals to calm the pain.

Cervical spondylosis

Cervical spondylosis is a term that describes age-related wear and tears affecting the discs along the neck region of your spine. Usually, as you age, the discs dry out, causing the vertebrae to rub against each other. As a result, signs of osteoarthritis such as bone spurs formation develop. Cervical spondylosis worsens with age and is common among adults older than 60 years. Most people with this cervical condition experience no symptoms, but they include pain and stiffness in the neck when they occur.

Sometimes cervical spondylosis causes the spinal space to become narrow, pinching the nerve roots that pass along there. Other symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and weakness in your arms, legs, hands, or feet may be present. You may also develop urinary incontinence (loss of bladder control) and lack of coordination.

Consult your provider today at Jeff, Pan MD if you have further inquiries about cervical conditions.