What is cervical spondylosis?
Cervical spondylosis is a condition in which osteophyte proliferation in the cervical region results in narrowing of the spinal canal.
These changes may result in cord compression if the canal diameter becomes small enough, and spinal cord circulation may also be compromised.
Spondylitic changes also may compress the spinal nerves that exit through the foramen.
If the spinal cord is compressed, upper motor neuron weakness (paresis, hypertonia, hyperreflexia) may be seen. This may appear before sensory impairment.
When sensory loss does develop, dorsal columns tend to be more affected than lateral spinothalamic tracts.
Bladder and bowel dysfunction is less common.
