Cervical Conditions

Cervical Conditions

• Cervical Disc Displacement/Protrusion - Cervical Disc Displacement happens when some form of protrusion occurs between the vertebrae of the cervical spine, usually in the form of a herniated or bulging disc. A person dealing with Cervical Disc Displacement might experience cervical pain, radiating arm pain, neck stiffness, headache, and limited movement, among other symptoms. Treatment options for this condition involve a variety of both minimally invasive surgical and non-surgical options.
• Cervical Spondylosis with Myelopathy - Cervical Spondylosis with Myelopathy (CSM) refers to a condition where disc and facet joint deterioration in the cervical spine leads to impared spinal cord function. Myelopathy, or the dysfunction of the spinal cord, occurs as a result of increased compression of vertebrae and cervical discs within the narrowing spinal canal. Symptoms of CSM can include arm and leg numbness and weakness, loss of balance, difficulty walking. Surgery may improve the symptoms and prevent progression of the cervical myelopathy.
• Cervical Stenosis - The term “Cervical Stenosis” refers to a condition in which the spinal canal is too small for the spinal cord and nerve roots. This can sometimes be caused by short pedicle bones, degenerative arthritis, disc displacement, and thickened, increased spinal ligaments. This condition can cause neck pain and stiffness, radiating pain, weakness in the legs and feet, difficulty walking, and, in more severe cases, bladder and bowel dysfunction. There are both surgical and non-surgical treatment options for this condition.
• Cervical Deformity or Kyphosis - Cervical Kyphosis refers to an abnormal curve in the neck, and can occur in both children and adults. Typically, this condition is caused by congenital conditions, trauma, or from natural aging. Symptoms can range from mildly painful to debilitating in nature, and can also cause limited movement of the head and neck, weakness in the extremities, and even paralysis in severe cases. This condition can typically be treated with surgical intervention if conservative care fails.
• Cervical Fractures - Commonly referred to as a broken neck, cervical fractures are considered to be a very high risk injury. Usually caused by high-energy trauma, like falls or car accidents, the potential of this type of injury being life threatening is high. While more extensive fractures may require surgery and months of strict aftercare, minor fractures can be treated with conservative care. Taking common safety precautions, like wearing your seatbelt, can help prevent this type of injury.
• Cervical Instability - As its name suggests, Cervical Instability occurs when there is a lack of stability present in the cervical spine. This is usually caused by the loosening of the ligaments between your cervical vertebrae and your skull. This excessive range of movement can result in headaches, fainting, memory loss, muscle spasms and other symptoms ranging in severity. Conservative treatments may be used before surgery is considered.