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The scientific name of what is commonly known as Cervical Arthritis is “Cervical Spondylosis” Cervical Arthritis is a type of arthritis that affects the seven cervical vertebrae, the vertebrae of the neck, and the intervertebral discs that separate them.
With Cervical Arthritis the cervical vertebrae wear away and the intervertebral discs also degenerate causing the space between the vertebrae to narrow. As a consequence, the nerves leading from the spinal cord in the neck become inflamed causing neck pain that sometimes extends to the arms. About 50% of those over age 50 experience neck pain and/or stiffness linked to Cervical Arthritis.
The symptoms of Cervical Arthritis are persistent neck pain. Sometimes the pain radiates to the arms. Headache and neck stiffness limiting the movement of the neck can also be caused by Cervical Arthritis.
The causes of Cervical Arthritis are tied to aging, natural wear of the vertebrae and injuries or repeated traumas from work or recreational activities.
A combination of rest, exercise and drugs are the most common treatment. Surgery is limited to those cases where pain is unremitting. As usual, a doctor should always be consulted to decide the best course of action.
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