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Cervical Spondylosis
Alternate Names : Cervical Osteoarthritis
DefinitionCervical spondylosis is a disorder caused by abnormal wear on the cartilage and bones of the neck (cervical vertebrae) with degeneration and mineral deposits in the cushions between the vertebrae (cervical disks).
Pictures & Images
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
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).
These accumulated changes caused by degeneration can gradually compress one or more of the nerve roots. This can lead to increasing pain in the neck and arm, weakness, and changes in sensation. In advanced cases, the spinal cord becomes involved. This can affect not just the arms, but the legs as well.
A previous neck injury (which may have occurred several years prior) can predispose to spondylosis, but the major risk factor is aging. By age 60, 70% of women and 85% of men show changes consistent with cervical spondylosis on X-ray.
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• Definition
• Cervical Spondylosis Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Cervical Spondylosis Symptoms & Signs
• Cervical Spondylosis Prevention
• Cervical Spondylosis Diagnosis & Tests
• Cervical Spondylosis Treatment
• Cervical Spondylosis Prognosis
• Cervical Spondylosis Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Spinal Cord Trauma
Tests & Exams
• CT Scan
• Electromyography
• Lumbosacral Spine X-Ray
• Neck X-Ray
• Spine MRI
• X-Ray
Other Topics
• Bowel Incontinence
• Chronic
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Joint Pain
• Muscle Cramps
• Muscle Function Loss
• Neck Pain
• Numbness and Tingling
• Spinal/Neck Injury
• Traction
• Weakness
Review Date : 6/12/2002
Reviewed By : Kevin B. Freedman, M.D., Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, Loyola University Medical Center, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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