Cause
Disk Degeneration and Bone Spurs
In the spine, arthritis can result as the disk degenerates and loses water content. In children and young adults, disks have high water content. As we get older, our disks begin to dry out and weaken. This problem causes settling, or collapse, of the disk spaces and loss of disk space height.
As the facet joints experience increased pressure, they also begin to degenerate and develop arthritis, similar to the hip or knee joint. The cartilage that covers and protects the joints wears away.If the cartilage wears away completely, it can result in bone rubbing on bone. To make up for the lost cartilage, your body may respond by growing new bone in your facet joints to help support the vertebrae. Over time, this bone overgrowth — called spurs — may narrow the space for the nerves to pass through (stenosis).
(Left) Side view of a healthy cervical vertebra and disk. (Right) A disk that has degenerated and collapsed.
Risk Factors
There are several factors that increase your risk for cervical spondylosis. The following have all been linked to higher risks of neck pain and spondylosis:
- Genetics - if your family has a history of neck pain
- Smoking - clearly linked to increased neck pain
- Occupation - jobs with lots of neck motion and overhead work
- Mental health issues - depression/anxiety
- Injuries/trauma - car wreck or on-the-job injury
Symptoms
Pain from cervical spondylosis can be mild to severe. It is sometimes worsened by looking up or down for a long time, or with activities such as driving or reading a book. It also feels better with rest or lying down.
Additional symptoms include:
- Neck pain and stiffness (may be worse with activity)
- Numbness and weakness in arms, hands, and fingers
- Trouble walking, loss of balance, or weakness in hands or legs
- Muscle spasms in neck and shoulders
- Headaches
- Grinding and popping sound/feeling in neck with movement
