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Skeletal spine Cervical spondylosis

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Cervical spondylosis

Alternative Names: Cervical osteoarthritis Symptoms: neck pain (may radiate to the arms or shoulder) loss of sensation or abnormal sensations of the shoulders, arms, or (rarely) legs weakness of the arms or (rarely) legs neck stiffness that progressively worsens loss of balance headaches, particularly in the back of the head loss of control of the bladder or bowels (if spinal cord is compressed) Signs and tests: Progressive neck pain is a key indication of cervical spondylosis. It may be the only symptom in many cases. Examination often shows limited ability to flex the head to the side (bend the head toward the shoulder) and limited ability to rotate the head. Text Continues Below Weakness or sensation losses indicate damage to specific nerve roots or to the spinal cord. Reflexes are often reduced. A spine or neck X-ray shows abnormalities that indicate cervical spondylosis. A CT scan or spine MRI confirms the diagnosis. A myelogram (X-ray or CT scan after injection of dye into the spinal column) may be recommended to clearly identify the extent of injury. An EMG may also be recommended. An X-ray of the lower (lumbar) spine may reveal degenerative changes in this region.

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