Cervical Spondylosis Flashcards
What is cervical spondylosis?
A non-specific degenerative process resulting in stenosis of the spinal canal, and /or root canals of the cervical vertebrae
What are the most commonly affected levels in cervical spondylosis?
- C5/6
- C6/7
How common is cervical spondylosis?
Very
How does cervical spondylosis progress with age?
It gets worse
What percentage of over 60’s are affected by cervical spondylosis?
> 85%
What factors are involved in the development of cervical spondylosis
- Dehydration of discs
- Osteophytes
- Hypertrophy of lamina, articular facets, ligamentum flavum, and posterior longitudinal ligament
- Congenitally narrowed canal
Why does dehydration of the intervertebral discs contribute to cervical spondylosis?
It allows for more bone-to-bone contact between the vertebrae
What causes spondylosis?
Years of constant abnormal pressure placed on the vertebrae and their discs
What can cause the factors causing cervical spondylosis?
- Joint subluxation
- Stress induced by sports
- Acute and/or repetitive trauma
- Poor posture
What does the body do as a result of abnormal pressure on the cervical vertebrae?
Produce new bone to compensate for the change in weight distribution
What are the risk factors for cervical spondylosis?
- Age
- Occupation
- Previous neck injuries
- Genetic factors
- Smoking
What symptoms do most people with cervical spondylosis experience?
None
What symptoms present in cervical spondylosis if any?
- Pain
- Stiffness
Where does pain occur in cervical spondylosis?
- Cervical pain
- Referred pain to occiput, between shoulder blades and upper limbs
- Retro-orbital or temporal pain*
*When does retro-orbital or temporal pain occur in cervical spondylosis?
When there is involvement of C1 and C2
