Cervical spondylosis

Alternative Names

Treatment

The goal of treatment is relief of pain and prevention of permanent spinal cord and nerve root injury.

In mild cases, no treatment is required. Symptoms from cervical spondylosis usually stabilize or regress with simple, conservative therapy including a cervical collar (neck brace) to restrict motion and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs). Cortisone injections to specific areas of irritation may also be helpful.

Rarely, intermittent neck traction may be recommended instead of, or in addition to, a cervical collar. This usually consists of a halter-like device placed on the head and neck and attached to pulleys and weights.

For severe cases, hospitalization with complete bedrest and traction for 1 or 2 weeks may be needed. Narcotic medicine or muscle relaxants may help to reduce pain. Surgical decompression of the spinal cord in the neck may be recommended for severe pain or for significant loss of movement, sensation, or function.

Surgical procedures may involve removal of bone and disk tissue impinging on the nerves of the spinal cord and stabilization of the neck by fusing the cervical vertebrae.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Most patients with cervical spondylosis will have some chronic symptoms, but they respond to non-operative interventions and do not require surgery.

Possible Complications

• Chronic neck pain
• Progressive loss of muscle function or feeling
• Permanent disability (occasional)
• Inability to retain feces (fecal incontinence) or urine (urinary incontinence)

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Apply home treatment like use of a cervical collar which can be purchased at pharmacies and over-the-counter pain medications, but call your health care provider if there are signs of complications or if the condition becomes worse.

Call your health care provider if cervical spondylosis has been diagnosed and symptoms worsen, or if new symptoms develop (such as loss of movement or sensation of an area of the body).