Health encyclopaedia

Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

Diagnosis of Cervical spondylosis

Cervical spondylosis can usually be recognised by the symptoms, but to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other possibilities, various tests can be carried out such as:

• Physical examination - this includes identifying tender spots along the back of your neck, evaluating your ability to move the neck and rotate your head, testing your reflexes and the function of nerves and muscles in the arms and legs, and watching you walk.
• X-ray - a spine or neck x-ray will show bone spurs (osteophytes) and other abnormalities and reveal the extent of damage or misalignment of the cervical spine.
• CT scan (computed tomography) - this produces a 3-dimensional image that is much more detailed than an x-ray, so the bones involved can be seen more clearly.
• A myelogram (X-ray or CT scan after injection of dye into the spinal column) may be recommended to clearly identify the extent of injury.
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) - MRIs are best for detecting disk and spinal cord problems, as the physician is able to create images of large area from various angles. However, these images may not show enough detail about the vertebrae themselves.
• EMG (electromyogram) - this is used to detect disorders in the skeletal muscles and can take up to an hour to perform.
• A neurological examination - this can help to find out which nerve roots are involved, based on the location of the pain and numbness and the pattern of weakness and changes in reflex responses.
  

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