Cervical Spine Arthritis or Neck Arthritis - by Alpesh Patel M.D.
People of all ages may experience symptoms of neck arthritis, also known as cervical spine arthritis or “Cervical Spondylosis”. The disease process, like arthritis in other joints such as the hip or knee, is a “wear-and-tear” phenomenon that develops as a person ages. Additionally,people who smoke cigarettes, who have had an injury to their neck, or have had spine surgery in the past may be at risk for developing cervical spine arthritis.
Typical symptoms may be as simple as neck pain and stiffness. As the arthritis worsens, symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness of arms and hands may develop. This is due to spinal nerve root compression or irritation and is called “cervical radiculopathy.” Others maydevelop symptoms of clumsiness, difficulty with handwriting, difficulty with walking and balance, weakness of the legs, and a loss of bowel or bladder control. This is due to spinal cord compression and is called “cervical myelopathy.”
Symptoms of cervical radiculopathy or cervical myelopathy require prompt medical attention. A physical exam, xrays and, many times, and MRI of spine is need to diagnose the problem. Early diagnosis and treatment of these problems is imperative. Left untreated, cervical myelopathy can lead to irreversible damage and even paralysis.
Treatment Options
The majority of people with cervical spine arthritis be managed with physical therapy and exercise with oral medications as needed. Symptoms will generally improved with in 2 - 4 months.
Patient with radiculopathy who do not improve with therapy, exercise, and medications may be elgible for injections to relieve pain symptoms. These injections are targeted injections performed under xray guidance. If symptoms persist or if a person does not desire an injection, they would be a candidate for surgical treatment.
Nearly all people with signs and symptoms of cervical myelopathy should consider surgical treatment because of the risk to their spinal cord.
Surgical treatment for both cervical radiculopathy and cervical myelopathy are similar. The main goal of the surgery is to take all pressure off of the spinal nerves and spinal cord. This is accomplished by surgically removing all bone, ligaments, and disc tissue that is causing the compression. After this has been performed, the spine is then fused to provide stability. Some patients may be eligible for a “disk replacement” instead of a fusion procedure.
Facts
Cervical spine arthritis is a very common problem.
Symptoms can vary from very mild neck pain to severe painand weakness of the arms or legs.
Most people will improve with exercise, physical therapy, and medications.
Occasionally people with symptoms of arm pain/numbness willrequire injections and even surgical treatment.
Nearly all people with signs or symptoms of cervical myelopathy (clumsiness, difficulty with handwriting, difficulty with walking and balance, weakness of the legs, and a loss of bowel or bladder control) should seek a surgical evaluation.
