Osteoarthritis of the cervical spine is a typical condition of middle-aged and older people who suffer from degeneration of the intervertebral discs and joints in the cervical spine.
symptoms
When the spinal cord is compressed, the first manifestation is usually a change in gait.It becomes unstable, the movement of the legs becomes jerky (spastic).When the nerve root is damaged, pain in the neck is mainly observed.Weakness and muscle atrophy of one or both arms can develop before and after signs of spinal cord compression appear.
All symptoms: pain increases with physical activity, pain worsens when bending forward, weakness of one or both arms, jerky gait, neck pain.
When you see a doctor
- For pain in the cervical spine.
- For tingling, loss of sensitivity, pain in the arm, shoulder joint.
- For frequent headaches.
- For dizziness.
Specialists: neurologist, neurologist, orthopedic specialist.
Reason
Osteoarthritis of the cervical spine can be accompanied by 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 their functional impairment.The symptoms that arise may be the result of either compression of the spinal cord or damage to the nerve roots.
Diagnostics
If osteoarthritis of the cervical spine is suspected, the doctor will prescribe magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which can identify areas of narrowing of the spinal canal, the degree of compression and the area of the affected nerve roots.
List of diagnostic methods: magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), radiography of the spine.
Treatment
Spinal cord dysfunction due to osteoarthritis of the cervical spine can heal without treatment, but can also progress.Initially, to alleviate the situation, the doctor will advise supporting the neck with a special collar, engaging in physical therapy, taking anti-inflammatory drugs, mild analgesics and muscle relaxation.But if the MRI reveals severe compression or if the disease progresses, then surgery is needed to stop the process.However, it will not eliminate the changes that have occurred, because some nerve fibers in the spinal cord are irreversibly damaged.
Treatment methods: surgery, immobilization and orthotics.