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Cervical Spondylosis

Understanding Cervical Spondylosis and the Treatments Available to You

Diagnosis and Treatments for Cervical Spondylosis in Birmingham and Hoover, Alabama

Used as a general term to describe age-related wear and tear affecting the spinal disks in your neck, cervical spondylosis is a very common medical condition that tends to worsen with age. According to American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, it affects more than 85% of people over the age of 60.

Patients in Birmingham and Hoover, Alabama, dealing with cervical spondylosis can receive treatment from board-certified specialists at Southlake Orthopaedics. Learn more about the causes and symptoms of cervical spondylosis as well as treatment options.

Cervical Spondylosis Symptoms

In most cases, cervical spondylosis causes no symptoms. Because patients often show no signs of cervical spondylosis, they could have it and not even know it. Patients who do show symptoms will generally experience the following:

  • Stiffness in the neck
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Muscle spasms
  • Soreness in the neck that will not go away or gets worse when moving the neck
  • A clicking, popping, or grinding sound when the neck moves

 

Cervical spondylosis can result in the spinal canal narrowing, threatening to pinch the spinal cord or nerve roots. If this happens, patients might experience more severe symptoms such as:

  • Tingling, numbness, and weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet
  • Lack of coordination and difficulty walking
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control

Cervical Spondylosis Causes

As a person ages, the structures that make up their backbone and neck change due to decades of normal wear and tear and cause cervical spondylosis. These changes can include:

Dehydrated Disks

Between the vertebrae of the spine, disks serve as cushions. Over time, spinal disks begin drying out and shrinking. When this happens, the result is more bone-on-bone contact between the vertebrae.

Herniated Disks

With age, cracks can appear on the exterior of the spinal disks. When this happens, the soft interior of a disk can squeeze through these cracks, sometimes pressing on the spinal cord and nerve roots.

Bone Spurs

In a misguided effort to strengthen the spine, the body may produce extra amounts of bone called bone spurs. These bone spurs can sometimes pinch the spinal cord and nerve roots.

Stiff Ligaments

Ligaments in the spine — cords of tissue that connect bone to bone — can stiffen with age. This results in the neck becoming less flexible and much more painful to rotate.

Cervical Spondylosis Treatments

The goal of cervical spondylosis treatment is to help reduce symptoms, relieve any pain, and help patients maintain their normal lifestyles. The proper course of action for treating cervical spondylosis often depends on its severity and can include:

Physical Therapy

In many cases, symptoms of cervical spondylosis can be relieved with physical therapy. Focusing on stretching and strengthening the muscles in the neck and shoulders, physical therapy can be one of the most effective forms of treatment.

Medications

Depending on the severity of the medical condition, non-prescription medication might not be enough. If symptoms become too severe for over-the-counter medications, healthcare physicians may prescribe various forms of medications to help.

Surgery

In extreme cases where conservative treatment options fail, surgery might be needed to create more room for the spinal cord and nerve roots. Surgery used to treat cervical spondylosis can involve removing a herniated disk, bone spurs, or part of a vertebra.

Patient performing exercises with physical therapist to treat cervical spondylosis

Why Choose Southlake Orthopaedics for Cervical Spondylosis Treatments and Services

Southlake Orthopaedics is dedicated to providing personalized and compassionate care to all patients. The team of board-certified physicians utilizes the most advanced technology and proven techniques to treat cervical spine spondylosis. From diagnosis to treatment and rehabilitation, patients of all ages can benefit from the compassionate care offered at Southlake Orthopaedics.

Find Relief for Cervical Spondylosis at Southlake Orthopaedics

Individuals with cervical spondylosis can find the care they need to experience less pain and more living at Southlake Orthopaedics. With locations in Hoover, AL, and Birmingham-Grandview in Birmingham, AL, the experienced, board-certified physicians offer cutting-edge treatments and services to patients throughout Central AL. For more information or to request an appointment, contact Southlake Orthopaedics today.