Cervical Spondylosis: Understanding Neck Pain, Causes, and Treatment Options

Neck pain is one of the most common complaints among adults, including residents of Brenham, Texas. One potential cause of persistent neck discomfort is cervical spondylosis, a condition linked to the natural wear and tear of the cervical spine. At Brazos Valley Pain Specialists, Dr. Jared Anderson specializes in diagnosing and treating cervical spondylosis, helping patients in Brenham and the surrounding Brazos Valley area find relief. This comprehensive guide will explore cervical spondylosis, including its causes, symptoms, and treatment options, so you can make informed health decisions.

What Is Cervical Spondylosis?

Cervical spondylosis, also described as neck arthritis or cervical osteoarthritis, is the deterioration of the cervical spine's bones, discs, and joints. It is most prevalent in individuals over 50 and often worsens with age.

Most of us will have some cervical spondylosis as a natural part of getting older, it can lead to chronic pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility that may interfere with daily life.

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Causes of Cervical Spondylosis

Aging: The most common cause is that the spine gradually deteriorates.
Degenerative Disc Disease: Spinal discs lose hydration and flexibility, leading to cracks and wear.
Bone Spurs (Osteophytes): These bony growths develop as the body attempts to repair joint or disc damage but can compress nearby nerves.
Injuries: Trauma to the neck, such as from falls or car accidents, can accelerate degeneration.
Repetitive Strain: Activities or jobs involving repetitive neck movements or heavy lifting can stress the cervical spine more.

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Common Symptoms of Cervical Spondylosis

Neck Pain and Stiffness: Persistent discomfort that worsens with physical activity.
Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty turning or tilting your head.
Headaches: Often originating from the base of the skull.
Numbness or Tingling: Particularly in the arms or hands due to nerve compression.
Muscle Weakness: Reduced strength in the arms or legs may occur in severe cases.

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Who Is at Risk for Cervical Spondylosis?

While cervical spondylosis is a common condition, certain factors can increase your risk:

Age: Risk increases significantly after age 50.
Occupation: Jobs requiring repetitive neck movements or heavy lifting can contribute to spinal wear.
Genetics: A family history of neck arthritis may increase your likelihood of developing the condition.
Smoking: This habit has been linked to accelerated spinal degeneration.

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How Is Cervical Spondylosis Diagnosed?

At Brazos Valley Pain Specialists, Dr. Jared Anderson uses advanced diagnostic tools to evaluate cervical spondylosis:

Medical History: Discussing symptoms, lifestyle, and medical background to figure out any contributing causes.
Physical Exam: Assessing neck mobility, strength, and nerve function.
Imaging: X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans detect abnormalities such as bone spurs, disc degeneration, or nerve compression.
Electrodiagnostic Tests: Measuring nerve activity to evaluate the extent of nerve compression.

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Treatment Options for Cervical Spondylosis

Dr. Anderson offers a variety of treatment options tailored to the severity of your condition and symptoms:

Non-Surgical Treatments

Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, or muscle relaxants to alleviate discomfort.
Physical Therapy: Customized exercises to strengthen neck muscles, improve flexibility, and reduce stiffness.
Hot/Cold Therapy: Helps manage inflammation and relieve localized pain.
Lifestyle Changes: Ergonomic adjustments, better posture, and reducing repetitive strain can minimize symptoms.
Steroid Injections: Corticosteroids delivered to the affected area can reduce inflammation around nerves.
Radiofrequency Ablation: After numbing medication is applied near the medial branch nerve, then the tip (5-10 mm) of the needle is heated to 80 C for 90 seconds. This denervates the nerve allowing for long-term pain relief. Typically ranging from 8 months to 2 years of duration.

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Surgical Treatments

Surgery may be suggested in severe cases where nerve or spinal cord compression is affecting quality of life. Common procedures include:

Laminectomy: Removing part of the vertebrae to relieve spinal cord pressure.
Discectomy: Removing damaged or herniated discs to alleviate nerve compression.
Spinal Fusion: Fusing two or more vertebrae to stabilize the spine and reduce pain.

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Preventing Cervical Spondylosis

While aging is inevitable, you can reduce your risk of cervical spondylosis by:

Maintaining Good Posture: Use ergonomic furniture to align your head with your spine.
Staying Active: Regular exercise strengthens neck muscles and promotes spinal health.
Avoiding Smoking: Avoiding or eliminating tobacco use slows down spinal degeneration.
Using Proper Lifting Techniques: Protect your neck and back when carrying heavy objects.

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Alternative and Complementary Therapies

Dr. Anderson understands that some patients may seek holistic approaches to managing neck pain. Options include:

Acupuncture: Can alleviate chronic neck pain in some patients.
Chiropractic Care: Gentle spinal adjustments to improve mobility.
Massage Therapy: Relieves muscle tension and promotes relaxation.

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Coping with Cervical Spondylosis

Living with cervical spondylosis involves managing both physical and mental aspects of the condition. Here are some tips to improve your quality of life:

Adopt Relaxation Techniques: Yoga or meditation can help reduce stress, which may make pain worse.
Use Supportive Devices: Aides like neck collars and ergonomic pillows can help.
Stay Informed: Understanding your condition allows you to make the necessary adjustments to your lifestyle and formulate a treatment plan with your physician.

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When to See a Doctor

Seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:

Persistent neck pain that doesn't improve with rest.
Numbness or tingling in your arms, hands, or legs.
Difficulty walking, balancing, or performing daily tasks.
Loss of bladder or bowel control.

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Dr. Jared Anderson and his team at Brazos Valley Pain Specialists in Brenham, Texas, are here to help with personalized care and advanced treatment options.

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Conclusion

Cervical spondylosis is a manageable condition; however, it can require a combination of treatments and lifestyle changes. Seeing a board-certified pain management doctor like Dr. Jared Anderson will give you the best chance at relief.

Take the first step toward relief today by scheduling an appointment at Brazos Valley Pain Specialists. You can schedule an appointment by clicking here, or calling our Brenham office.

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FAQs

1. What causes cervical spondylosis?

The most common contributors are aging, repetitive strain, injuries, and genetics.

2. Can cervical spondylosis be treated without surgery?

Yes, in many cases cervical spondylosis can be managed with medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes.

3. How can I prevent cervical spondylosis?

Good posture, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking can reduce your risk.

4. What sets Dr. Anderson apart from other providers?

Dr. Anderson at Brazos Valley Pain Specialists offers a variety of treatments ensuring patients receive expert attention.

5. How do I schedule an appointment?

You can call Brazos Valley Pain Specialists or click here to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jared Anderson today.

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