Cervical Spondylosis Overview

Cervical Spondylosis typically affects more than 85 percent of people over the age of 60 but can be a source of pain and dysfunction at age 30 and beyond. It is the degeneration of the joints of the neck over the course of time. Though categorized as a form of arthritis, cervical spondlyosis rarely becomes crippling or disabling.

What Causes Cervical Spondylosis?

Cervical spondylosis is the result of degenerative disc disease. As patients age, the amount of fluid content within the spinal discs dries out, causing the disc to weaken. Disc space can collapse and loss of disc space height can occur. 

The facet joints within the spine begin to degenerate and develop arthritis due to increased pressure. Also, the cartilage that protects these joints slowly wears away, resulting in arthritis. The body then compensates for the cartilage and produces new bone in its place, resulting in bone spurs. Over time, these bony protrusions may narrow the space that the spinal nerves pass through. Spinal stenosis compressing the spinal cord may also occur.

There may be an increased risk of cervical spondylosis such as:

  • Genetics

  • Occupation

  • Smoking

  • Trauma or injury

Symptoms of Cervical Spondylosis

Pain associated with this condition can range from mild to severe and may be worsened by looking up or down for an extended period of time. Lying down or rest may also relieve pain.

Other symptoms of cervical spondylosis include:

  • Grinding and popping sound or feeling in neck during movement

  • Headaches

  • Muscle spasms in the neck and shoulder area

  • Neck pain and stiffness

  • Numbness and weakness in arms, hands and fingers

  • Trouble walking, loss of balance or weakness in the legs

How Is Cervical Spondylosis Diagnosed?

In order to determine the source of your neck pain and confirm a diagnosis of cervical spondylosis, Dr. LaRocca will perform a comprehensive orthopaedic and neurological  examination and a  complete history of your neck pain. A thorough physical examination may include:

  • Arms

  • Blood flow

  • Flexibility of the neck

  • Legs

  • Neck

  • Reflexes

  • Shoulders

  • Strength

  • Touch sensation

  • Walking test

Diagnostic testing may also be conducted, including:

  • Computed tomography (CT) scan: A special x-ray procedure that is used to evaluate bone and the spinal canal.

  • Electromyography (EMG): A nerve conduction study that tests for nerve damage using electrodes.

  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This test is ideal for examining the soft tissues of the body for damage or abnormalities such as muscles, discs, nerves and the spinal cord.

  • Myelography: A special x-ray that uses injected dye to highlight the spinal canal and nerve roots.

  • X-rays: X-rays are used to examine the alignment of the neck as well as potentially lost disc height or bone spur development.

What Treatments Are Available For Cervical Spondylosis

In most cases, the symptoms related to cervical spondylosis respond well to non-operative treatments including: 

  • Ice, heat, and other modalities

  • Traction

  • Physical Therapy

  • Brief immobilization with a soft collar

  • Interventional modalities such as epidural injections or facet blocks

Surgery may be recommended for pain and neurological dysfunction unresponsive to conservative treatment.  Surgical procedures typically recommended include:

  • Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion

  • Anterior corpectomy and fusion

  • Posterior laminectomy and fusion

  • Laminoplasty

Learn More About Resolving Back Pain with Dr. LaRocca

If you're ready to resolve your cervical spondylosis or have been referred for a surgical consultation, Dr. LaRocca and the team at New Jersey Neck & Back Institute are here to provide a comprehensive approach to relieve your pain and enhance your quality of life. You can schedule an appointment by calling 609-896-0020 or visiting our website at www.njnbi.com. We have four convenient locations:

3131 Princeton Pike, Bldg 6, Ste 106, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648

1985 Highway 34, Ste 6A, Wall Township, NJ 07719

1004 Birchfield Drive, Mount Laurel, NJ 08054

2090 NJ-27, STE 102, North Brunswick Township, NJ 08902