Cervical Spondylosis

Overview

“Cervical spondylosis” is a general term for wear and tear that affects your cervical spine. Cervical refers to seven stacked bones (vertebrae) in your neck. Spondylosis is when parts of your spine begin to wear out. Healthcare providers sometimes call it osteoarthritis of the neck or arthritis of the neck.

If you have cervical spondylosis, your neck may ache, hurt or feel stiff. Healthcare providers can’t cure cervical spondylosis, but they can keep it from getting worse.

How common is cervical spondylosis?

It’s very common and a natural consequence of growing older. As we age, our spines start to change and wear out. This usually happens when people are in their 30s. By age 60, about 9 in 10 people have cervical spondylosis.

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Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

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