Cervical Spondylosis

Excerpt

Cervical spondylosis is a term that encompasses a wide range of progressive degenerative changes affecting all components of the cervical spine (ie, intervertebral discs, facet joints, uncovertebral joints, ligamenta flava, and laminae). Spondylosis is a natural aging process and presents in most individuals after the fifth decade of life. The cervical motion segments are uniquely susceptible to degeneration because they must simultaneously provide extensive flexion, extension, rotation, lateral bending, and axial load bearing while protecting the spinal cord, the spinal nerves, and the vertebral arteries.

Symptoms of cervical spondylosis manifest as neck pain and stiffness and can be accompanied by radicular symptoms when there is compression of neural structures. Neck pain is a common condition and the second most prevalent complaint after low back pain. Given its significant burden of disease associated with substantial disability and economic cost, healthcare professionals need to recognize symptomatic cervical spondylosis and provide evidence-based, cost-effective interventions.