CERVICAL SPONDYLOSIS

CERVICAL SPONDYLOSIS - Cervical spondylosis, also known as cervical osteoarthritis or neck arthritis, is a common, age-related condition that affects the joints and discs in your neck. It develops from wear and tear of the cartilage and bones found in your cervical spine, which is in your neck. While it’s largely due to age, it can be caused by other factors as well. The spinal disks can develop cracks, which allows leakage of the internal cushioning material. This material can press on the spinal cord and nerves, resulting in symptoms such as arm numbness and sciatica.
Factors other than aging can increase your risk of cervical spondylosis. These include:
- neck injuries
- work-related activities that put extra strain on your neck from heavy lifting
- holding your neck in an uncomfortable position for prolonged periods of time or repeating the same neck movements throughout the day (repetitive stress)
- genetic factors
- smoking
- being overweight and inactive

Most people with cervical spondylosis don’t have significant symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they can range from mild to severe and may develop gradually or occur suddenly One common symptom is pain around the shoulder blade. Patients will complain of pain along the arm and in the fingers. The pain might increase when:

• standing
• sitting
• sneezing
• coughing
• tilting your neck backward

PINCHED (COMPRESSED) NERVE

PINCHED (COMPRESSED) NERVE - Nerves extend from your brain and spinal cord, sending important messages throughout your body. If you have a pinched nerve your body may send you warning signals such as pain. Don't ignore these warning signals. Damage from a pinched nerve may be minor or severe. It may cause temporary or long-lasting problems. The earlier you get a diagnosis and treatment for nerve compression, the more quickly you'll find relief. In some cases, you can't reverse the damage from a pinched nerve. But treatment usually relieves pain and other symptoms.

A pinched nerve occurs when there is "compression" (pressure) on a nerve. The pressure may be the result of repetitive motions. Or it may happen from holding your body in one position for long periods, such as keeping elbows bent while sleeping. Nerves are most vulnerable at places in your body where they travel through narrow spaces but have little soft tissue to protect them. Nerve compression often occurs when the nerve is pressed between tissues such as:
-Ligament
-Tendon
-Bone

These symptoms may result from changes that develop in the spine's discs and bones. For example, if a disc weakens or tears -- known as a herniated disc -- pressure can get put on a spinal nerve.
Nerve compression in your neck or arm may also cause symptoms in areas such as your:

• Elbow

• Hand

• Wrist

• Fingers