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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

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What Does Spondylotic Changes At Mid- Lower Cervical Spine Mean?

i have recently been told i have spondylotic changes at the mid - lower cervical spine with osteophytic spurring and mild disc space narrowing at c5/c6. What doe this mean? i have a lot of pain in my neck and suffer from pins and needles in my hands, especially the right hand.
Mon, 21 Jul 2014
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  User's Response
Hi, thanks for posting your concern in the HCM. Simply speaking, cervical spondylosis refers to a condition in which there is mechanical wearing of the intervertebral disc cushions due to lose of hydration and elasticity. The surrounding ligaments also lose their elasticity. There is biomechanical incompetence. The joint space narrows down, annulus bulges forward and facets override.There may be abnormal growths or spurs on the bones of the spine.Gradually one or more nerve roots are compressed resulting in radicular pain, tingling, numbness in the distribution of the affected nerve.For rehabilitation and conservative management, immobilisation of the cervical spine is the mainstay of treatment. Traction may be applied although it has no proven benefit in cervical pain. Superficial and deep heat therapy to the local tissue may help. Analgesics and muscle relaxants may also be taken. In case of progressive neurodeficit, intractable pain or documented compression of nerve root(s) surgical intervention may be needed. For any further questions, please write back to us. Regards.Dr. Kaushik
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What Does Spondylotic Changes At Mid- Lower Cervical Spine Mean?

Hi, thanks for posting your concern in the HCM. Simply speaking, cervical spondylosis refers to a condition in which there is mechanical wearing of the intervertebral disc cushions due to lose of hydration and elasticity. The surrounding ligaments also lose their elasticity. There is biomechanical incompetence. The joint space narrows down, annulus bulges forward and facets override.There may be abnormal growths or spurs on the bones of the spine.Gradually one or more nerve roots are compressed resulting in radicular pain, tingling, numbness in the distribution of the affected nerve.For rehabilitation and conservative management, immobilisation of the cervical spine is the mainstay of treatment. Traction may be applied although it has no proven benefit in cervical pain. Superficial and deep heat therapy to the local tissue may help. Analgesics and muscle relaxants may also be taken. In case of progressive neurodeficit, intractable pain or documented compression of nerve root(s) surgical intervention may be needed. For any further questions, please write back to us. Regards.Dr. Kaushik