The two most common types of spondylitis are cervical spondylitis and lumbar spondylosis. Cervical spondylitis develops when the cartilage, bones, ligaments, and bones in your neck begin to wear and tear as you get older or as you don't. Cervical spondylitis and spondylosis were once associated with old age. However, with today's generation and lifestyle, spondylitis and spondylosis are not limited to any age group.
What exactly is Cervical Spondylitis?
Cervical spondylitis, also known as spondylosis, is also known as osteoarthritis or degenerative osteoarthritis. The symptoms worsen with age and time. Cervical spondylitis can make even walking difficult if not treated properly and promptly.
Cervical spondylosis is more common in elderly people. Our bones and ligaments lose their normal strength as we age. Cervical spondylosis affects the neck and causes stiffness in movement. The neck disc gradually degrades, resulting in fluid loss. The discs begin to rub against each other as fluid loss occurs. This results in neck pain and stiffness.
As the discs degenerate further and fluid loss occurs, abnormal growths known as spurs or osteophytes form in the neck bones. Osteophytes cause the spinal column to narrow, resulting in spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis is a condition that occurs in older adults when the spinal canal narrows, causing cervical pain.
Cervical spondylosis symptoms
The following are the symptoms of cervical spondylitis:
Cervical Spondylosis causes neck pain that can spread to your arms or shoulders. There is a tingling sensation at first, which can worsen if left untreated. Standing, sneezing, sitting, coughing, or tilting the neck backward can all aggravate cervical pain. The most common symptom of cervical spondylitis is neck pain.
Weakness of Muscles: Cervical spondylosis can cause muscle weakness. The muscles weaken and stiffen, making it difficult to lift the arms or grasp something properly.
Headaches. Headaches can be caused by a stiff neck. The headaches will primarily affect the back of your head.
Tingling and numbness are most noticeable in the arm and shoulders. Tingling can often travel down to the legs. If the disease is not treated, tingling can be accompanied by numbness.
Loss of Balance: As the bones lose strength, you may experience loss of balance and difficulty walking.
Loss of Bladder Control: Cervical spondylosis can cause loss of bladder and bowel control in rare cases.
Risk factors or complications
The following are some of the risk factors for spondylosis:
Spinal stenosis:-This can develop if cervical spondylosis is left untreated for an extended period of time. Spinal stenosis, also known as cervical myelopathy, is a painful condition that occurs when the spinal canal narrows. If the spinal cord gradually narrows, it can be severely damaged. A tingling sensation in the neck, arms, and shoulders may occur, and it may spread to the legs. In extreme cases, you may also struggle to coordinate movement. Lumbar spondylosis can develop from cervical spondylitis.
Nerve compression: When you have cervical spondylosis, you have constant pressure on your spinal nerves. You could have a condition known as spinal radiculopathy. Numbness and tingling in the hands, legs, and shoulders are symptoms of cervical radiculopathy.
You may also notice a loss of coordination. In severe cases, you may experience severe shoulder and chest pain. Normal muscle contraction is lost as a result of nerve compression.
If left untreated, the symptoms of cervical spondylitis can result in permanent damage to your spinal cord. Cervical myelopathy and radiculopathy can both become acute. Work becomes difficult on a daily basis, and surgery becomes the only option.
Treatment
Your doctor may recommend a variety of treatments, including:
Physical therapy:
Your doctor may advise you to see a therapist. A physical therapist can assist you in stretching your muscles and neck. Neck traction is also part of physical therapy. Using weights, neck traction helps increase the space between the cervical joints. Physical therapy will provide pain relief.
Medication:
Your doctor may prescribe medications to treat cervical spondylosis. Muscle relaxants like Cyclobenzaprine, narcotics like Hydrocodone, anti-epileptic drugs like Gabapentin, steroid injections like Prednisone, and anti-inflammatory drugs like Diclofenac are examples of medications.
Surgery:-
The last resort in cases of cervical spondylosis. When medications and physical therapy fail to provide relief, your doctor may recommend surgery. The removal of bone spurs, herniated discs, and certain neck bones will be performed during surgery. Surgery will increase the space between the disc and the nerves.
Precautions
It is critical to take precautions. Simple precautions include:
Remember to follow the doctor's advice and treatment plan.
You must maintain a straight posture. When sitting or standing, keep your neck and spine straight.
You should exercise on a regular basis, but only as directed by your doctor.
You should eat healthily to maintain a healthy body weight.
You should learn to lift correctly to avoid straining your neck, arms, and shoulders.
Dietary guidelines
Simple dietary changes you can make include:
You should consume foods high in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E. Eat more nuts, oilseeds, and fish to help reduce joint inflammation.
You should consume leafy green vegetables on a daily basis.
Avoid acid-forming foods such as fried foods, excessive meat, and oily foods.
Sweets, confectionaries, and refined foods should be avoided.
I just saw that it is your first post! Congratz! I will give you some tips. This looks like an interesting summary of the condition which probably was taken by different sources! Don't forget the references since anything there was your creation, only the summary about that, because it can be considered plagiarism without it!
cheers,