Health encyclopaedia

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Cervical spondylosis

Cervical spondylosis is a very common condition that usually occurs in the second half of life. As a natural consequence of ageing, the discs and bones in the neck (vertebrae) undergo degenerative change or ‘wear and tear’. When this degeneration causes moderate to severe pain or discomfort it is known as cervical spondylosis.

By the age of 50, around half of the population develop cervical spondylosis and experience neck and back pain. This figure rises to 70% by the age of 60. The pain experienced can range from mild discomfort to complete loss of mobility, but cervical spondylosis is usually treatable and rarely requires surgery.

The spinal cord is protected by bones (vertebrae) stacked one upon the other. There are spaces between each vertebra that are filled with structures called intra-vertebral disks. These disks act as cushions and protect the vertebrae, the nerves and the blood vessels between them. They make the spinal cord flexible and allow movements such as turning the head or bending the neck. The disks are made up of a tough, fibrous outer tissue with an inner core of elastic or gel-like tissue.

With age, the disks gradually shrink and become tougher and more unyielding. This means that the amount of padding between the vertebrae gets smaller and the spine loses stability.

To counteract this, the vertebrae react by constructing abnormal bone spurs (osteophytes), which help to stabilize the degenerating backbone and protect the spinal cord. These spurs can put pressure on the spine and produce problems with the nerves and blood vessels. As a result, the spinal cord may narrow and compress and the individual may experience weakness, numbness and pain in various parts of the body, which may affect walking and other activities.

• Symptoms
• Causes
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• References

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