Symptoms of CERVICAL SPONDYLOSIS

The symptoms of cervical spondylosis depend on the degree of degenerative change. They also depend on whether the neurological elements have become sufficiently compromised so that they no longer function normally. The symptoms include neck pain and pain at the back of the head. The head pain may radiate forwards toward the eye. The pain may radiate between the shoulder blades and into the shoulders. Crunching sounds may be heard or felt with movement of the neck. Dizziness sometimes occurs. If the nerves exiting the spine are involved, there is often pain radiating into the arm. It tends to follow the distribution of the nerve that is involved. Numbness, tingling and weakness may also develop as the nerve no longer is able to function normally. There may be loss of muscle mass and atrophy. When the spinal cord is involved, there may be unsteady gait or problems with urinary or sexual function. Spasticity may develop, with jerky movements of the legs. Urge incontinence may develop secondary to a impaired bladder.