What are the main symptoms of cervical spondylosis?

The main symptoms of cervical spondylosis include neck pain, stiffness, dizziness, numbness in the hands, and possible unsteady walking. Once these symptoms occur, you should seek medical attention in time for a clear diagnosis and improve them through medication, physical therapy or surgery.

1. Neck pain and stiffness

The most common manifestation of cervical spondylosis is neck pain and stiffness, which is more obvious after sitting or bowing the head for a long time. This is caused by the compression of surrounding soft tissues or nerves by bone spurs. If the pain is mild, it can be relieved by paying attention to rest and maintaining a correct sitting posture. However, if the symptoms persist, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and topical ointments can be used to relieve the pain.

2. Dizziness and vertigo

Because bone hyperplasia may compress the vertebral artery and affect the blood supply to the brain, it may cause dizziness or vertigo. This symptom is often more obvious when you bow your head or turn your head for a long time. At this time, you should avoid sudden changes in posture. In terms of medication, you can use vasodilators such as flunarizine or cerebral circulation-improving drugs under the guidance of a doctor. Combined with rehabilitation training, such as stretching and relaxation exercises for the neck muscles, it can also help relieve symptoms.

3. Limb numbness and weakness

Bone hyperplasia may compress nerve roots, causing numbness or weakness in the fingers and arms. When this symptom becomes more severe, you need to be alert to whether the nerves or spinal cord have been compressed. Compression can be relieved through cervical traction therapy, or steroid injections can be performed to improve inflammation under the advice of a doctor. In more serious cases, surgical treatment may be considered, such as spinal fusion or bone spur removal.

4. Unsteady walking

When bone hyperplasia compresses the spinal cord, walking instability may occur, and in severe cases, even bowel and bladder dysfunction may occur. This is a signal that threatens the quality of life, and you should seek help from a neurologist or orthopedic surgeon as soon as possible. At this time, surgical intervention is often required, such as cervical decompression surgery, to prevent further deterioration of symptoms.

Cervical spondylosis is a degenerative disease that is closely related to daily living habits. Regardless of the severity of the symptoms, you should adjust your lifestyle in a timely manner, such as keeping your neck warm and avoiding long periods of sitting and excessive strain. At the same time, those with severe symptoms should go to the hospital as soon as possible to seek professional treatment to avoid delaying the disease.