User:KOMF/Wiki4Cam Backups/Cervical spondylosis

Cervical spondylosis is a disorder caused by abnormal wear on the cartilage and bones of the neck (cervical vertebrae) with degeneration and mineral deposits in the cushions between the vertebrae (cervical disks).

Causes
Cervical spondylosis results from chronic degeneration of the cervical spine including the cushions between the neck vertebrae (cervical disks) and joints between the bones of the cervical spine. There may be abnormal growths or "spurs" on the vertebrae (the bones of the spine).

These accumulated changes caused by degeneration can gradually compress one or more of the nerve roots. This can lead to increasing pain in the neck and arm, weakness, and changes in sensation. In advanced cases, the spinal cord becomes involved. This can affect not just the arms, but the legs as well.

A previous neck injury (which may have occurred several years prior) can predispose to spondylosis, but the major risk factor is aging. By age 60, 70% of women and 85% of men show changes consistent with cervical spondylosis on x-ray.

Symptoms

 * Neck pain (may radiate to the arms or shoulder)
 * Loss of sensation or abnormal sensations of the shoulders, arms, or (rarely) legs
 * Weakness of the arms or (rarely) legs
 * Neck stiffness that progressively worsens
 * Loss of balance
 * Headaches, particularly in the back of the head
 * Loss of control of the bladder or bowels (if spinal cord is compressed)