Conditions affecting the cervical include those areas around the neck, most especially the cervical spine, which can produce pain or discomfort. These conditions may be mild and may be so serious that they could keep you from your usual activities.
Because of the severity and complications that may arise, you should seek medical care from a renowned health provider like MaximSpine. With a team of experienced spine surgeons and pain management specialists, they provide advanced treatments and comprehensive care for a wide range of spinal conditions.
To understand the impact and ways in which you can manage cervical conditions, you may need to explore some of the common cervical conditions below.
Table of Contents
1. Cervical Spondylosis
Cervical spondylosis is characterized by abnormal wear and tear of cartilage along with the vertebrae of the neck. This is one of the more common conditions among older people because it relates with the process of aging. Gradually with time, cervical spine discs start to lose water and become less flexible; this may be a reason for deterioration of the cartilage.
Along with the wearing down of the cartilage, bone spurs may develop. The bone spur compresses nerves and further causes pain or stiffness of the joints. The condition may result in chronic neck pain and limited mobility. Early diagnosis and management are necessary so that further degeneration can be prevented.
2. Cervical Herniated Disc
The cervical herniated disc simply means the rupture or bulging of any disc between vertebrae. This bulge presses partly on the nerves around and may lead to pain down the arm. These usually occur from trauma, age changes, or a sudden movement that places strain on the neck.
Other symptoms that may be manifested aside from neck and arm pain include but are not limited to numbness or weakness in the arm. More severe cases may have the disc impinging on the spinal cord, leading to more grave complications. The treatment options for this condition include:
- Physical therapy
- Medications
- Surgery
3. Cervical Spinal Stenosis
Cervical spinal stenosis refers to the narrowing of the spinal canal, the area that encloses the spinal cord.. Compression of the spinal cord because of this narrowing may cause pain, weakness, or numbness. Usually, stenosis develops very gradually and often as the result of aging or arthritis.
Those with cervical spinal stenosis can also have problems balancing or even walking. In severe situations, this might cause permanent nerve damage in the long term if not treated. It is, therefore very, paramount that early treatment, either physical therapy or the use of medications, be administered to drive away such symptoms and the general advancement of the disease.
4. Cervical Myelopathy
Myelopathy is a pathology involving damage to the spinal cord, either from its stenosis or due to degeneration. It mostly emanates from narrowing within the canal, which results in the compression of the spinal cord. Such compression results in malfunctions related to motor and coordination.
These symptoms are manifestations of clumsiness, imbalance, or problems with fine motor skills. If left untreated, cervical myelopathy may progress over time and result in permanent disability. Surgical intervention is usually required to take the pressure off the spinal cord and prevent further insult.
5. Cervical Radiculopathy
Cervical radiculopathy is a kind of compressive neuropathy that emanates from the neck because of the pinching of nerves. Symptoms of this condition include:
- Pain
- Tingling
- Numbness
These symptoms usually result from conditions like herniated discs or bone spurs compressing the nerves.
Generalized weakness in the affected arm or hand also arises due to cervical radiculopathy. On some occasions, the condition may range from physical therapy to medication to surgery, depending on the degree of severity. Early management of symptoms may avoid chronic nerve damage.
Conclusion
Neglected cervical conditions tend to have immense impacts on the patient’s quality of life. Early diagnosis and management are the keys to avoiding further complications and ensuring better outcomes.
