Neurosurgeon shares early symptoms of cervical spondylosis, its causes, and why timely treatment is crucial

Sedentary lifestyle has made cervical spondylosis no longer age-related. Here’s how you can identify early symptoms and causes.

Cervical spondylosis, also referred to as the ‘arthritis of the neck’, has become a common health issue, owing to sedentary lifestyles and the constant use of mobile phones. In conversation with HT Lifestyle, Dr Gaurav Batra, neurosurgeon (brain and spine), Max Hospital, Vaishali, lists early symptoms of cervical spondylosis and why treatment matters.

What is cervical spondylosis?

Dr Batra said, “Cervical spondylosis is a condition that entails degeneration of the cervical vertebrae and disc degeneration”. It occurs as a result of ageing and usually develops gradually.

Early signs and symptoms

“Cervical spondylosis can be manifested by some mild signs that can be overlooked”, said Dr Batra. The earliest indicators include chronic pain and stiffness in the neck that occur particularly when a person spends a lot of time sitting in one place.

Another symptom is headaches that originate in the neck and cause throbbing pain. Numbness and tingling in the shoulders, arms, or hands indicate nerve irritation. Additionally, decreased ability to move the head and neck, as well as a clicking sensation, can also be symptoms.

Cause of cervical spondylosis

Dr Batra highlighted that cervical spondylosis occurs as a result of the ageing of the spinal column, leading to natural wear and tear of its components.

Cervical spondylosis occurs as a result of the aging of the spinal column, leading to natural wear and tear of its components. (Unsplash)

The discs of the spinal cord lose their water and become less flexible with age, thus resulting in degeneration. In order to try repairing its components, bone spurs may develop and cause pinched nerves in the vicinity.

According to Dr Batra, other causes of spondylosis include bad posture while spending much time at a computer screen, repeated movements of the neck, earlier neck injury, and genetics that may cause early degradation of the spine. Furthermore, improper way of living, lack of exercise, obesity, and smoking contribute to cervical spondylosis.

The signs include having pain in your neck, weakness in your arms and hands, and inability to coordinate. (Pexel)

When is the need for an expert visit?

It is advisable to seek help from a physician when you experience such symptoms. The signs include neck pain, weakness in your arms and hands, and difficulty coordinating. You should be alarmed when there is difficulty walking and balancing, as this could have an impact on your spinal cord.

“It is easy to manage if caught early through physiotherapy, posture, medications, and changes in your lifestyle’, Dr Batra told HT Lifestyle. In case it gets worse, you may require medical attention to uncompress your nerves.

Neurosurgical evaluation

Dr Batra said, “From the neurosurgical point of view, early diagnosis becomes very critical when there is a suspicion of compression of the nerve roots or spinal cord. With the help of modern imaging, it becomes easy to ascertain the degeneration of the discs, whether nerves are involved, and also if there is a spinal canal stenosis.”

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.