Cervical Spondylosis

Question 1

what does spondylosis occur with

Answer 1

disc degeneration

Question 2

what does disc generation lead to

Answer 2

increased loading and accelerated OA of facet joints

Question 3

what do patients complain of

Answer 3

slow onset stiffness and pain in the neck which can radiate locally to the shoulders and occiput

Question 4

what are the mainstays of treatment

Answer 4

physio and analgesia

Question 5

what can osteophytes impinge on

Answer 5

exiting nerve roots

Question 6

what does osteophytes impinging on exiting nerve roots cause

Answer 6

radiculopathy involving the upper limb dermatomes and myotomes

Question 7

what is the treatment for osteophytes impinging on exiting nerve roots causing severe symptoms and not responding to conservative management

Answer 7

decompression