{"id":7185,"date":"2019-06-12T08:23:38","date_gmt":"2019-06-12T08:23:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=7185"},"modified":"2021-04-12T20:19:38","modified_gmt":"2021-04-12T20:19:38","slug":"14-root-causes-of-cervical-spondylosis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/14-root-causes-of-cervical-spondylosis\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Root Causes of Cervical Spondylosis"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Cervical spondylosis<\/a>, a malady that impacts the cervical spine, typically affects people as they age. This chronic condition impacts the cervical spine \u2013 the neck \u2013 and involves the degeneration of the bones and cartilage, including the discs and joints. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The condition, which is also referred to as cervical osteoarthritis or arthritis of the neck, can present a number of symptoms. Stiffness, debilitating pain that does not subside, and limited mobility are not uncommon; but, many individuals who are afflicted do not experience symptoms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the body ages, the bones and cartilage naturally break down, hence the reason why this condition is most common among the elderly; reports estimate that 90 percent of those who are 60 years of age or older suffer from this condition. However, there are other factors that can cause it as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below, we will ll take a look at eight of the root causes of cervical spondylosis.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Age<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As mentioned, age <\/a>is the primary cause of cervical spondylosis. As an individual age, the bones and cartilage naturally break down throughout all parts of the body, including the cervical spine, or the neck. As this happens, the discs, which absorb shock within the cervical spine, enable mobility, and keep the neck together, are no longer able to perform their basic functions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cartilage, which lies between the discs and cushions, also degenerates, further reducing the function of the cervical spine. As a result of the breakdown of the discs and cartilage, pain, which can range in severity from mild to severe, and reduced mobility, which can also range in severity from chronic to severe, are not uncommon symptoms, is often associated with this condition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, as previously stated, some individuals who are afflicted with this condition do not experience any symptoms and don\u2019t know they are affected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Herniated cervical discs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another common cause of cervical spondylosis is herniated cervical discs. The entire spine is comprised of discs, including the neck. These discs are hard on the exterior and contain a soft, gelatinous-like material on the interior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cervical discs serve as joints between the bones of the neck, allowing it to move back and forth and up and down. The hard exterior of the discs can develop tears in them, and when that happens, the soft, gelatinous-like center can leak out, resulting in what is known as a herniated disc. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Herniated discs are common with age, as the elasticity and the flexibility of the discs naturally reduces with age. As such, the ligaments <\/a>that surround the discs can become frail and can break easily, which can cause the substance in the center of the discs to leak out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Herniated cervical discs can result in cervical spondylosis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Dehydrated cervical discs. <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another common root cause of cervical spondylosis is dehydrated cervical discs. As noted, there are discs located between each of the bones of the spine (known as the vertebrae<\/a>). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These discs act as cushions, absorbing the shock that occurs whenever you move your spine. Each disc contains a gelatinous-like substance, which is known as the nucleus. As the body ages, this jelly-like material \u2013 the nucleus \u2013 can start to dry out, or become dehydrated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As it does, discs lose their ability to serve their primary function; cushioning and protecting the bones of the spine, or the vertebrae. When the discs of the cervical spine become dehydrated, the bones in the neck can rub against one another. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the bones rub together, pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility can start occurring. The discs of the cervical spine can start drying out or dehydrating, as young as the early 30s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Neck injuries. <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Injuries to the neck can increase the risk of cervical spondylosis. When the neck is injured, the bones (or vertebrae), the discs, and the cartilage of the cervical spine can become damaged. The vertebrae can crack and the discs can become more fragile. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the discs become more fragile, for example, the risk of the jelly-like material that lies inside of them (the nucleus) is more likely to leak out, eventually causing herniated discs. As discussed, herniated discs are one of the primary causes of cervical spondylosis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the gel-like substance leaks out of the discs, the discs lose their ability to cushion the vertebrae; moreover, the material can compress the nerves within the spine<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Injuries to the neck can speed up the aging process, and since cervical spondylosis is a common age-related condition, it makes sense that injuries would increase the likelihood of developing the malady. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Bone spurs.<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you develop bone <\/a>spurs, there\u2019s an increased likelihood that you will also develop cervical spondylosis. Bone spurs, medically referred to as osteophytes, commonly develop in areas where the bones make contact with one another \u2013 the joints. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Any of the bones can develop bone spurs, including the vertebrae of the cervical spine. A bone spur is an overgrowth of bone. The overgrowth of bone is the body\u2019s attempt to strengthen the spine. Despite their name, bone spurs are not sharp or pointy, but rather they are smooth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Often, bone spurs are not problematic; however, if they are situated within the nerve openings, they can increase the risk of complications, including cervical spondylosis, as they press on the nerves, which can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aging, heredity, and degeneration of the discs and joints can all increase the risk of bone spurs and cervical spondylosis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Stiffness in the ligaments.<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The cervical spine is comprised of many facets, and if any of these facets are damaged in any way, there is an increased risk of cervical spondylosis; this includes the ligaments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ligaments <\/a>are strong, durable cords that join together the bones of the cervical spine. If the ligaments become stiff, cervical spondylosis can develop, as this stiffness can lead to mild to moderate pain and reduced mobility. There are a number of reasons why the ligaments of the cervical spine can become stiff. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Age is a common cause; however other factors can lead to stiffness of the ligaments. A sprain or strain of the levator scapula, the muscle that runs along the length of the side of the neck, is one cause. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other causes include herniated discs, injuries, and a disorder of the facet joint \u2013 the joint located along the back of the spine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Excessive use<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you use excessively use your cervical spine, there is an increased chance that you will develop cervical spondylosis. There are a number of reasons why you may overuse your cervical spine; for example, you may work in an industry that requires repetitive motions of your neck, or the lifting of heavy objects; construction or traffic control, for example. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This excessive use of the cervical spine can result in an increased amount of pressure being placed on the spine. The more pressure <\/a>is placed on the cervical spine, the greater the likelihood that the cervical spine will prematurely break down and become damaged. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Essentially, overuse of the neck can speed up the effects of aging, increase the risk of bone spurs, and increase the risk of herniated discs. Therefore, if you lift heavy objects or twist and turn your neck too frequently, you\u2019ll likely develop cervical spondylosis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Genetics<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If anyone else in your family is afflicted with cervical spondylosis, there is a chance that you, too, will develop the condition. There are a number of conditions that can be passed from generation to generation, including the maladies of the musculoskeletal system, such as the cervical spine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While it has yet to be proven, a number of studies have been conducted to determine if there is a link between conditions of the cervical spine and familial history. Many of these studies do indicate that several members of the same family suffer from this condition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, if any member of your family has the condition, you are genetically predisposed to the condition, and therefore, you may develop it, too. Avoiding excessive use, maintaining proper posture<\/a>, and an eating healthy diet comprised of highly nutritious foods can help to prevent the risk that you will develop the condition, too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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