Article reviewed and approved by Dr. Ibtissama Boukas, physician specializing in family medicine
Cervical spondylosis is one of the conditions that could be responsible for your neck pain, especially if you are over 40.
What is cervical osteoarthritis and how is it diagnosed? How to recognize its causes and symptoms? And above all, what to do to relieve yourself?
This popular article explains everything you need to know about cervical osteoarthritis. If your doctor has ever given you this diagnosis, you will have answers to all your questions.
Contents
Definition and anatomy
Before discussing cervical osteoarthritis (also called cervicarthrosis), it is worth reviewing some notions of anatomy in order to better understand this condition.
The neck is a complex structure made up of vertebrae, discs, nerves, muscles, ligaments and tendons. Because it houses the spinal cord, the cervical region is considered fragile. But it is also remarkably strong because of the stability it provides, and flexible because it allows movement of the neck in all directions.
La cervical spine consists of 7 overlapping bones (called vertebrae), numbered from C1 to C7. Between the vertebrae there are intervertebral discs to absorb shocks and support movements.
Furthermore, each vertebrate is composed of articular facets called “zygapophysical joints” which connect 2 vertebrae via their posterior arch. Cartilage lines these joints, allowing movement between the vertebrae and avoiding excessive friction.
Like any joint, there can be degeneration over time. This is the phenomenon of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis lesions mainly affect the lower cervical vertebrae (C4-C5, C5-C6, C6-C7) and are located at several levels:
At the level of the discs (causing a compaction and a decrease in space between 2 vertebrae)
At the facet joints
At the level of the uncus (between the 3rd and 7th cervical vertebrae)
Bone deformities can then be created. They are called osteophytes, or parrot's beak for their characteristic shape.
Causes of Cervical Osteoarthritis
The exact causes of cervical osteoarthritis are not very well known. Aging seems to be the main cause of cervical spondylosis. As you age, your neck goes through many changes.
The discs become dehydrated and shrink causing uncomfortable friction between the vertebrae of the neck.
The bones and ligaments of the neck thicken and encroach on the spine.
Deformity as a result of a job or hobby that involves repetitive motions or frequent heavy loads that put more wear and tear on your spine.
Symptoms of the disease
Since cervical osteoarthritis sets in gradually, the body may have been able to adapt over time. Similarly, an absence of inflammation does not cause symptoms.
It is to this extent that we can observe many people with cervical osteoarthritis medical imaging, but feel no pain.
In other cases, however, this condition can be problematic and cause the following symptoms:
Neck pain and stiffness
Referred pain in the arm, shoulder, shoulder blade and/or chest
Numb arms and tingling hands
Crackles and noises in the cervical vertebrae
Headache (headache)
Rarely, osteophytes can cause irritation of thevertebral artery surrounding. This is called vertebro basilar insufficiency which can cause the following symptoms:
In addition, cervical osteoarthritis can also lead to complications:
Myelopathy cervical: pressure on your spinal cord causes tingling, numbness, weakness in your limbs, difficulty with coordination, abnormal reflexes, or incontinence.
Radiculopathy cervical : Bone spurs press on your nerves and cause pain in your arms.
Diagnosis of cervical spondylosis
The diagnosis of cervical spondylosis always begins with a physical examination. Indeed, although themedical imaging is necessary to identify osteoarthritis, it is more the functional consequences and the symptoms that matter to us.
Thus, the diagnostic examination begins with a medical questionnaire which assesses general health, history of injury, as well as subjective symptoms.
Then, a complete physical examination is used to determine management. During this examination, the healthcare professional checks the following parameters in particular:
Muscular strength and reflexes in the hands, arms or legs.
Gait (how you walk).
Trigger points in the neck and shoulder (a knot in the muscles of the neck or shoulder which can cause pain and tenderness).
Once this clinical examination has been completed, the attending physician will then decide to use medical imaging or other paramedical tests. These reports may include the following:
A radiography showing your neck bones, their alignment, bone loss and bone spurs (if any).
La computed tomography (CT) provides more detail than X-ray. This analysis can help to better visualize the Spinal canal and bone spurs.
The MRI images show details of soft tissues such as cartilage, nerve roots, muscles, spinal cord and discs. This test may show spinal compression or herniated disc more clearly than X-ray examinations.
Other tests may include a myelogram (type of CT scan) or a electromyogram (nerve function test). These tests provide more details about how cervical spondylosis can affect your nerves.
In some cases, MRI might be needed to get more details (such as knowing more about the integrity of soft tissues and/or nerves).
Is it serious: When to worry?
In general, cervical osteoarthritis causes mechanical problems, that is to say, they are related to the movements and various postures of the neck.
But it happens that cervical osteoarthritis leads to more serious consequences. This occurs in particular when the spinal cord is affected (we then speak of spinal compression, or myelopathy).
Here are the symptoms of a possible spinal cord injury that constitutes a medical (and sometimes surgical) emergency:
Tingling, numbness and/or weakness in the arms, hands, legs or feet.
Lack of coordination and difficulty walking
Abnormal reflexes
Muscle spasms
Loss of sphincter control (urinary and fecal incontinence)
Treatment of cervical spondylosis
The treatment of cervical spondylosis is not linear. This means that an approach might work for one person, but not benefit someone else.
Here are the treatment modalities often used to relieve the symptoms of cervical spondylosis:
Rest (Minerva or not?)
In times of crisis, rest can be helpful in relieving pain. On the other hand, it is important to minimize the rest time. This is because the consequences of inactivity can make the condition worse in the long run.
Indeed, inactivity causes muscle atrophy, as well as joint stiffness. These consequences set in gradually, which means that the patient does not realize it.
Thus, it is best to minimize rest as much as possible, and resume activities as soon as possible. Of the pharmaceuticals can also help reduce pain and speed up the return to activity.
With regard to the neck brace, the same philosophy must be followed. Because it immobilizes the cervical region and inhibits muscle activity in the neck muscles, the cervical collar can impede long-term healing.
Thus, as with rest, the neck brace should be used to a minimum, for example during times of crisis or when performing a demanding task (such as cleaning).
Kinésithérapie
The patient suffering from cervical osteoarthritis is often referred to kinesitherapy (physiotherapy). Among the methods used are:
In addition to the physiotherapist, the osteopath is a professional of choice in the treatment of cervical osteoarthritis.
Although it is impossible to act on osteoarthritis as such, manual techniques can take pressure off irritated nerves, relieve symptoms and relax spasmed muscles.
The holistic approach of the osteopath means that he will work not only the neck, but also the joints and related organs having an anatomical and physiological relationship with the cervical region.
Natural treatment and home remedies
Because conventional treatments do not always offer a satisfactory solution, many people turn to natural treatments and home remedies.
Among the best known are:
Natural products (such as glucosamine or chondroitin supplements)
Capsaicin Creams
Homeopathy
Sophrology
Essential oils
Food
As mentioned previously, it is mainly the inflammation caused by cervical osteoarthritis that is responsible for the pain.
Knowing that certain foods have a pro-inflammatory action and that others have an anti-inflammatory action, it is reasonable to think that an anti-inflammatory diet can help relieve the symptoms of neck pain.
Although this type of diet has mixed evidence, some patients have seen an improvement in their pain after switching to a anti-inflammatory diet.
To learn all about this type of diet, and benefit from a free 7-day anti-inflammatory food plan, consult next article.
Yoga
Unlike physiotherapy, yoga does not use therapeutic exercises tailored to the patient's individual condition.
On the other hand, several gestures and postures of yoga allow the improvement of mobility, flexibility, and posture. This can be useful in the presence of neck pain.
Moreover, the therapeutic yoga uses the precepts of yoga to apply it in a rehabilitation context aimed at relieving symptoms and improving function.
Of course, you should consult a yoga specialist to ensure that this practice does not make your symptoms worse.
Pillow (or how to sleep with cervical osteoarthritis?)
When suffering from the neck, the quality of sleep is often affected. To optimize our nights of sleep, an adequate pillow can make the difference.
The orthopedic pillows memory foam have several benefits, in particular because they support the neck by marrying the cervical lordosis. Also, their consistency adapts to all individuals to provide better results.
To know everything about memory foam pillows, consult the opinion of a health professional in next article.
If the symptoms refer to the head and the latter becomes painful on palpation (or causes headaches), it may be appropriate to use a silk pillowcase. Indeed, the silky texture could reduce the irritation and discomfort of the head on the pillow.
As for the sleeping position, it is recommended to sleep on the side with the symptomatic arm at the top if indicated (for example, in the presence of irradiation of pain towards the upper limb). This avoids compression on the side of the pain, and greater freedom of movement of the affected arm. It is also recommended to place a pillow under the armpit on the affected side to provide more support to the shoulder and the scapular region.
Finally, placing heat in the cervical region before sleeping can help relax muscles and improve sleep quality. We recommend 15 minutes with a heat pack before bedtime.
Infiltration
Although infiltration is not the first approach to consider, it can be useful in some cases.
Often, it is the last solution tried before the operation when the symptoms persist, and affects the quality of life.
Most often, cortisone infiltration at the affected level helps reduce inflammation locally, and reduce nerve irritation.
Surgery (when to operate?)
Although it often becomes chronic, cervical spondylosis tends to progress slowly. This means that surgery is rarely necessary.
So, in which case should you operate? As mentioned, there are situations where the spinal cord is affected due to cervical spondylosis. Thus, pfor the the most serious cases such as cervical myelopathy or radiculopathy neck that does not respond to conservative treatment, the doctor may indicate a surgical intervention.
Surgery may involve removing bone spurs, unsoldering the fused vertebrae, or creating more space for the spinal cord. Here are the treatment options from a surgical point of view:
It should be noted that the optimal surgical technique to treat spinal or nerve root compression remains controversial. One approach is not necessarily superior in all circumstances, and the best option will depend on patient-specific anatomical and symptomatic factors.
Spine surgery is complex and can involve a long recovery. The surgeon will examine your symptoms, your general state of health before deciding if an operation of cervical osteoarthritis can be beneficial or not.
Cervical osteoarthritis and sport
Many recreational and even high-level athletes suffer from cervical spondylosis. Thus, physical activity does not necessarily have to be stopped when suffering from this diagnosis.
During a crisis, however, it is important to avoid activities that aggravate the symptoms. Often, sports that place significant stress on the cervical region should be temporarily avoided. For example, jogging, Crossfit, or contact sports should be paused.
On the other hand, light activities can even help speed healing, as long as the symptoms are not aggravated. For example, walking, swimming (on your back) or suitable weight training can activate blood circulation and lubricate the joints.
A health professional can guide you during this process, by prescribing suitable exercises, and by accompanying you during your return to sport.
Work stoppage, occupational disease and disability
The question of return to work and disability is often raised in the presence of neck pain.
On the one hand, a work stoppage could be prescribed following a crisis associated with cervical osteoarthritis. The downtime will depend on the symptoms, the condition of the patient and the nature of the work.
Regarding the return, it will also depend on the evolution of the condition. For example, sedentary work will be easier to resume than work requiring heavy lifting or repetitive movements.
Osteoarthritis can be considered an occupational disease under very specific conditions. Indeed, although it is a physiological phenomenon, the wear of a joint is accelerated by certain factors: heavy load bearing, repetitive movement, exposure to mechanical vibrations... If your profession is related to these factors, your osteoarthritis can be considered an occupational disease.
In the case of cervical osteoarthritis, it is quite rare for joint wear and tear to be linked to professional activity. In any case, you should seek the advice of a doctor to find out if you can benefit from coverage and a disability certificate.
Conclusion
Cervical osteoarthritis is a condition that sets in gradually over time, and which causes the degeneration of the joints that make up the cervical spine. Its diagnosis is issued via medical imaging and an associated clinical examination.
Sometimes asymptomatic, it can also cause a lot of pain and functional limitations in some cases.
The treatment of this condition is done after evaluating the symptoms, and will be adapted according to each individual by his treating health professional.
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Anas Boukas( Physiotherapist, physiotherapist, consultant )
Patients with back pain, I only see that on a daily basis. The problem is that most people consult only when their pain becomes intolerable. My name is Anas and I am physiotherapist (physio). My mission ? Helping people who are in pain before their pain becomes chronic and requires surgery. It is for this reason that I created Lombafit, a site focused on the popularization of back pain by health professionals.
