As we get older, we may experience unexplained neck pain and stiffness. The reason for this is that the vertebral bones begin to rub against each other as you move, because the protective discs in your neck can wear down and dry out over time.
The uppermost part of your spine is in your neck, and this section is called the cervical spine. When you have pain in the cervical spine due to reduced cushioning of the discs – which are composed entirely of cartilage – then you have cervical spondylosis.
This condition is also referred to as arthritis of the neck, and it is very common among people over the age of 60. Let’s talk about what cervical spondylosis is and where you can go to get effective treatment for your neck pain.
Symptoms of Cervical Spondylosis
People who experience symptoms from cervical spondylosis report headaches that start in the back of the neck, neck pain, shoulder pain, and stiffness. The pain comes and goes and gets worse with movement, and it may produce a grinding sound when you move your neck.
More severe symptoms can include tingling, numbness, and weakness in the arms and legs. Some people experience difficulty walking due to a lack of coordination, and others report a loss of bladder or bowel control. This can happen due to a pinched nerve that controls feeling and movement in these areas, because the spinal column serves the entire body. If you are experiencing these symptoms, see a doctor right away.
Am I at Risk?
There are certain groups of people who are at a greater risk of experiencing symptoms caused by cervical spondylosis, including people who:
· Smoke
· Have had jobs that involved making repetitive neck motions
· Have a personal history of neck injuries
· Have one or more first-degree family members (parent, sibling, child) who have been diagnosed with cervical spondylosis
Orthopedic Clinic in Johnson City, Kingsport, and Bristol, TN
If you are experiencing symptoms of cervical spondylosis, your quality of life could be severely affected. Cervical spondylosis may be a normal part of aging, but you can treat the symptoms so that they do not interfere with your active lifestyle.
Our experienced orthopedic surgeons here at Watauga Orthopaedics specialize in the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions of all kinds, including those causing neck and back pain. We are proud to offer personalized care to our patients in a comfortable and relaxing environment. The primary goal of treatment for cervical spondylosis focuses on relieving the pain and stiffness.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic surgeons, contact our caring staff today by calling us at (423) 282-9011 or fill out our easy-to-use appointment request form online now. We look forward to serving you!
