Arthrosis of the cervical spine ( cervical osteoarthritis): symptoms,causes ,diagnosis

Cervical osteoarthritis (arthrosis of the cervical spine), is a degenerative process that affects the cervical spine. This disease, which develops gradually with age, can provoke various symptoms and complications, seriously affecting the quality of life of an individual.

Risk factors:

Understanding risk factors is key to identifying people at higher risk of developing cervical osteoarthritis. The main risk factors include age, gender, genetic predispositions, previous neck injuries, unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking, obesity and lack of physical activity.

Age is one of the main risk factors because degenerative processes in the spine usually begin to appear with age. The older a person is, the more likely they are to develop changes characteristic of neck osteoarthritis.

Genetic predispositions also play an important role in the development of cervical osteoarthritis. People with a family history of this disorder have a higher risk of developing the disease.

Previous neck injuries, such as sports injuries, car accidents or other trauma, can increase the risk of degenerative changes in the spine and developing osteoarthritis.

Unhealthy lifestyle habits, including smoking, obesity and lack of physical activity, have also been linked to an increased risk of cervical osteoarthritis.

Symptoms of arthrosis of the cervical spine

Cervical osteoarthritis can have a varied clinical presentation, depending on the severity of changes in the spine and the presence of complications. The main symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, limited neck mobility, headaches, tingling or numbness in the arms and weakness of the neck muscles.

Neck pain is one of the most common symptoms of cervical osteoarthritis. It can be localized in the neck area or spread towards the shoulders and back.

Neck stiffness can be particularly pronounced in the morning or after a prolonged period of inactivity, such as sitting at a desk or standing for a long time. Limited neck mobility can make daily activities like turning your head or raising your arms above your head.

Headaches that occur as a result of cervical osteoarthritis are often localized in the back of the head and can be accompanied by dizziness. Tingling or numbness in the hands may indicate irritation of nerves in the cervical spine, while weakness of the neck muscles may be due to compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots.

Diagnostic tests of arthrosis of the cervical spine

Diagnosis of cervical osteoarthritis is based on anamnesis, physical examination, radiological imaging tests and sometimes additional tests. Anamnesis is crucial for identifying the symptoms and risk factors associated with neck osteoarthritis. Physical examination includes assessment of neck mobility, palpation of vertebrae, checking of sensitivity and function of nerves, and assessment of the strength of the neck muscles. Radiological imaging, such as neck X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT), allow for a more detailed account of changes in the spine, including degenerative changes in the joints and intervertebral discs. Additional tests, such as electromyography (EMG) or provocation tests, can be used to evaluate nerve and muscle function and confirm the diagnosis of cervical osteoarthritis.

Conclusion

Cervical osteoarthritis is a complex degenerative process that affects the cervical spine, causing a variety of symptoms and complications. Understanding risk factors, clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, therapeutic approaches and challenges associated with this disease is key to providing adequate care to patients suffering from cervical osteoarthritis. An interdisciplinary approach involving physicians, physiotherapists, nutritionists and psychologists can be crucial in managing this complex pathology and improving the quality of life of patients.