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Home | Spine Conditions | Cervical Spine Conditions | Cervical Arthritis (Spondylosis)

Cervical Arthritis (Spondylosis)

Cervical arthritis, also known as cervical spondylosis, involves the degeneration of discs and joints in the neck, leading to pain and stiffness. As the condition progresses, it can result in nerve compression, causing radiating pain and neurological symptoms.

What Is Spondylosis?

Spondylosis is a general term for age-related wear and tear to the spine and cervical spine. It can often lead to conditions like osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis. In some cases, spondylosis can cause compression of the spinal cord and nerve roots, leading to further complications.

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What Causes Spondylosis?

Spondylosis most commonly occurs as a result of aging and cumulative joint stress. Certain factors like previous injuries, occupational habits like repetitive motions, awkward positioning, and overhead work can increase your likelihood of developing spondylitis. Dehydrated discs can also lead to spondylitis as they cause increased bone-on-bone contact. Certain conditions like degenerative disc disease, bone spurs, and spinal stenosis can also cause spondylosis.

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Dr. Hughes and his entire staff were professional, caring and courteous. Dr. Hughes gave me great advice on how to move forward after my spine surgery. I would recommend Dr. Hughes highly. I appreciate his care and concern.

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Dr. Hughes is a genius! Though I’m still not 100%, I’m 99%. I have recommended him to several people for surgery. I don’t know if they contacted his office but if they haven’t more the fool them. He is the only surgeon for my back.

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The quality of care I received by Dr. Frank Camissa and his team at Spine Care of NY throughout my laminectomy/spine fusion process was impeccable. My experience and results have confirmed I chose the best of the world’s spine surgeons!

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Symptoms of Spondylosis

Symptoms of spondylosis can occur briefly, periodically, or gradually over time. In any case, common symptoms of spondylosis include:

  • Neck or back pain
  • Pain when coughing
  • Clicking sound from the spine
  • Radiating pain into the arms or legs
  • Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs
  • Unstable gait
  • Muscle spasms
  • Headaches

How is Spondylosis diagnosed?

Spondylosis is typically diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and imaging studies. A physician at SpineCare of NY will first assess your symptoms and perform a physical exam to check for pain, stiffness, and range of motion in the spine and neck. Imaging tests are then used to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of degeneration. These may include X-rays to visualize bone changes and narrowing of disc spaces, MRI scans to provide detailed images of soft tissues and potential nerve compression, and CT scans for a more comprehensive view of bone structures. In some cases, additional tests like electromyography (EMG) may be used to evaluate nerve function if there are concerns about nerve compression.

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How is Spondylosis treated?

Spondylosis treatment at SpineCare of NY typically involves a combination of surgical and non-surgical approaches tailored to the individual’s symptoms and severity. Initial treatments often include pain medications like NSAIDs, physical therapy to improve strength and flexibility, and lifestyle modifications such as ergonomic adjustments. For more severe cases, especially in cases of significant nerve compression or spinal cord involvement, surgical intervention may become necessary. These can include decompression procedures like laminectomy or discectomy to relieve pressure on nerves or spinal fusion to stabilize the affected area.

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The physicians at SpineCare of NY are dedicated to providing the most advanced and up-to-date solutions to your spinal condition by continuing to engage in ongoing research. We are affiliated with HSS, Hospital for Special Surgery, the number one ranked orthopedic hospital in the United States, ensuring you are in capable hands throughout the entirety of your spinal health journey. To schedule a consultation and learn more about spondylosis, head to our website and fill out an online contact form.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the symptoms of Spondylosis?

Spondylosis symptoms can vary depending on the area of the spine affected—cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), or lumbar (lower back). Common symptoms include chronic back or neck pain, stiffness, muscle weakness, pain, numbness or tingling in the arms or legs, and reduced flexibility.

Is Spondylosis the same as spinal stenosis?

Spondylosis and spinal stenosis are related but not the same. Spondylosis refers to the age-related degeneration of the spine, including the discs and joints. Spinal stenosis is a possible consequence of spondylosis, where the spinal canal narrows and compresses the spinal cord or nerves.

What happens if Spondylosis isnt treated?

If left untreated, spondylosis can gradually worsen over time, leading to chronic pain, limited mobility, and neurological complications, such as nerve compression. This could result in tingling, numbness, weakness, or loss of coordination.

How is Spondylosis treated?

Treatment for spondylosis depends on severity and symptoms. Conservative approaches include physical therapy, pain relievers (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants, heat/cold therapy, and lifestyle changes. In more advanced cases, epidural steroid injections or surgical options like decompression or spinal fusion may be recommended.

Can Spondylosis go away on its own?

Spondylosis does not go away on its own because it is a degenerative condition associated with aging. However, many people find relief through consistent physical therapy, proper ergonomics, and maintaining an active lifestyle, even though the underlying degenerative changes remain.

What aggravates Spondylosis?

Certain activities or habits can worsen spondylosis symptoms. These include poor posture, prolonged periods of sitting or standing, repetitive motions, participation in high-impact sports, heavy lifting, and being overweight. Additionally, stress and a lack of physical activity can also contribute to increased stiffness and pain.

What should you avoid doing with Spondylosis?

With spondylosis, its best to avoid intensive movements. These include heavy lifting, twisting movements, high-impact exercises (such as running on hard surfaces), prolonged periods of sitting or standing, and poor ergonomics while working or sleeping.

At what age does Spondylosis typically occur?

Spondylosis is most commonly diagnosed in individuals over the age of 40, though signs of degeneration can start earlier depending on genetics, lifestyle, or injury history. The likelihood and severity of spondylosis increase with age, making it especially common in older adults.

What are the stages of Spondylosis?

Spondylosis progresses in stages, starting with mild disc degeneration where cartilage begins to wear down. In the moderate stage, bone spurs may form, and discs lose more height. In the advanced stage, there is significant joint and disc damage, spinal canal narrowing, and more pronounced symptoms.

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