IN THE KNOW: Neck Arthritis

Cervical spondylosis, sometimes called neck arthritis, is a degenerative condition of the cartilage and bones of the neck caused by the chronic wearing away of the cervical spine.

Usually caused by age-related deterioration of the spine, the symptoms include neck pain and stiffness, loss of sensation or abnormal sensations in the shoulders, arms or legs, weakness of the arms or legs, headaches, loss of balance and, if spinal cord is compressed, loss of control over the bladder or bowels.

People who have had neck injury, spine surgery or severe arthritis are more likely to develop the condition.

Cervical spondylosis is the most common cause of spinal cord dysfunction in older adults.

Without treatment, the signs and symptoms of the condition may worsen.

But the symptoms usually stabilize through conservative therapy like anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants, cortisone injections, narcotics or physical therapy.

Exercise, good posture

Surgery is considered if the treatments are not effective. But it may not eliminate all the problems associated with the condition.

Many people show signs of vertebral and disk degeneration on X-ray by the age of 30, although symptoms do not usually appear until later in life.

The condition may be prevented through regular exercise and good posture.
Schatzi Quodala, Inquirer Research

Sources: nlm.nih.gov, emedicine.medscape.com, mayoclinic.com