Mountain Surgery Center Physician Discusses Artificial Disc and Osteoporosis Treatment

Many people associate arthritis with their hands and subsequent joints. However, arthritis to the neck (cervical spondylosis) is a specific health degeneration that affects 85% of people over the age of 60. As that statistics show, arthritis to the neck is a normal age-related change. This diagnosis doesn't always mean a person will experience neck pain. The neck pain associated with arthritis to the neck increases if a person smokes, genetics, has previous trauma to the neck, and an ongoing routine that involves consistent neck motion/movement.

Symptoms (information from orthoinfo.aaos.org) will include: 

• Headaches

• Grinding or popping noise or sensation when you turn your neck

• In some cases, cervical spondylosis results in a narrowing of the space needed for the spinal cord or nerve roots. If this occurs, your symptoms may include numbness and weakness in the arms, hands, and fingers

• Trouble walking, loss of balance, or weakness in the hands or legs

• Muscle spasms in the neck and shoulders

The above symptoms can be very serious and impact a person's quality of life. At first, non-surgical methods such as Tylenol, muscle relaxants, and anti-inflammatory medications, steroid injections are used. However, if those are found to be ineffective surgical options will be considered and implemented. 

Be sure to check out our video below to learn more about various treatment options.