Cervical Spine Degeneration: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Cervical spine degeneration is a common musculoskeletal condition, with about two-thirds of the population experiencing neck pain at least once in their lifetime. People aged 25–30 are at higher risk due to work-related factors and unhealthy lifestyle habits. To treat cervical spine pain, patients need to follow the instructions given by a specialist doctor.

1. What is Cervical Spine Degeneration?

Cervical spondylosis is a musculoskeletal condition that describes the weakening of the spine in the neck region due to various factors. The condition begins with inflammation and calcium deposits on the ligaments around the spine. This leads to the narrowing of the foramen behind the vertebrae, which obstructs the natural flow of blood vessels and nerves. As a result, symptoms of degeneration appear, causing pain in the neck and shoulders, especially during movement, bending, turning, or tilting the head.

Currently, the incidence of cervical spine degeneration is equal among both men and women. It is also a common chronic condition that progresses slowly and can affect any vertebra in the spine, with the C5-C6-C7 segment being the most commonly affected.

2. Can Cervical Spine Degeneration be treated?

For musculoskeletal conditions like cervical spine degeneration, the likelihood of full recovery depends on the patient’s efforts. If detected early, treated promptly, and followed with the doctor’s treatment instructions, the condition can be treated quickly. On the other hand, if ignored, underestimated, or treated with unproven methods, the risk of complications and serious health impacts is very high.

3. Causes of Cervical Spine Degeneration

Cervical spine degeneration primarily results from the following five causes:

3.1. Age

From the ages of 40 to 50, the natural aging process begins, affecting the vertebrae in the neck area, leading to degeneration. Many people believe that age is the sole factor causing cervical spine degeneration. However, currently, the occurrence of neck pain in younger people is increasing silently due to risk factors such as:

• Inherited musculoskeletal diseases from family members.
  
• Unhealthy lifestyle, lack of physical activity, overuse of stimulants, or improper sleeping positions (e.g., sleeping in one or two positions, using an inappropriate pillow, not moving during sleep).
  
• A “poor” diet lacking nutrients like Calcium, Magnesium, or Vitamin D.
  
• A history of injuries from traffic accidents, workplace accidents, or sports injuries.
  

3.2. Incorrect posture

Incorrect postures, such as frequently bending and tilting the head, lifting heavy objects overhead, or sitting in front of a computer screen for long periods, not only affect the structure of the cervical spine but also alter the bones, ligaments, and muscles. This accelerates the degeneration process.

3.3. Bone spurs

Bone spurs form as a result of joint damage, which aims to strengthen the bones. Bone spurs develop over time and progress silently. These excess bone formations can sometimes press on tissues, muscles, the spinal cord, and nerve roots, leading to pain.

3.4. Dehydrated discs

Intervertebral discs act as cushions between the vertebrae, supporting the weight of the head and absorbing shock. After the age of 30, the gel-like material within the discs begins to dry out. This causes the vertebrae to come into closer contact, potentially leading to pain and neck stiffness.

3.5. Ligament ossification

Ligaments connect the vertebrae and can become ossified (hardened) over time. This can affect neck movement, causing the neck to feel stiff and less flexible.

4. Top 5 symptoms of Cervical Spondylosis

In the early stages, cervical spondylosis is difficult to detect because there are no specific signs. Patients typically notice the condition only when it progresses to a more severe stage, exhibiting 5 characteristic symptoms of cervical degeneration:

4.1. Pain

There are aching pains localized around the neck and shoulders, sometimes causing a twisted or strained neck. The pain may then radiate to the head, potentially leading to headaches in the occipital and frontal regions, and the pain may spread from the neck to one or both arms.

4.2. Loss of sensation in the upper limbs

When nerve roots are compressed, patients may experience a “shock-like” pain or tingling sensation that travels from the shoulder down the arm. In severe cases, this can lead to muscle atrophy, weakness, or loss of deep sensation in the hands (making it difficult to hold objects, and impairing dexterity).

4.3. Stiff neck in the morning

When the weather is cold, or if the sleeping posture at night is uncomfortable, patients may experience a stiff neck in the morning. This stiffness makes it difficult to bend, rotate, or tilt the neck.

On the other hand, some individuals may experience soreness in the neck or the back of the head. The pain may then spread to the right side of the head and increase in intensity when coughing or sneezing. Others may experience continuous pain, making it impossible to turn the head left or right without turning the entire body.

4.4. Lhermitte’s sign

Lhermitte’s sign is a symptom of cervical spondylosis or multiple sclerosis. It is described as a sudden, uncomfortable sensation, like an electric shock, running from the neck down the spine, and radiating to the fingers or toes. This condition can worsen if the neck is bent forward.

4.5. Other symptoms of Cervical Spondylosis

In cases where the damage affects the C1–C2 or C4 vertebrae, patients may experience symptoms such as hiccups, yawning, dizziness, or loss of balance.

5. Complications of Cervical Spondylosis

If cervical spondylosis is not diagnosed early and treated in a timely and proper manner, it can lead to dangerous health complications:

Vestibular Disorders: Cervical spondylosis can damage the intervertebral spaces, cause cerebral hypoperfusion, and lead to vestibular disorders, with symptoms like headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and a higher risk of falls (especially in the elderly).

Cervical Disc Herniation: Long-term untreated cervical spondylosis can lead to cervical disc herniation. At this stage, treatment becomes more difficult, and the risk of sensory disturbances, autonomic dysfunction (incontinence), or paralysis is very high.

Weakness and Numbness Below the Neck: This is one of the most dangerous complications. When bone spurs and the spinal canal narrow, the spinal cord is quickly compressed. This can result in weakness or paralysis in areas below the neck, along with intense pain.

Here are some complications of cervical spondylosis:

• Vestibular Disorders due to Cervical Spondylosis
• Cervical Spondylosis Causes Numbness in the Hands and Recognizable Signs
• Recognizing the Symptoms of Cervical Spondylosis that Cause Headaches

6. Diagnosis of Cervical Spondylosis

Cervical spondylosis is typically diagnosed through clinical examination or supplementary diagnostic tests.

6.1. Clinical examination

• Assessing the mobility of the cervical spine.
  
• Testing reflexes and muscle strength in both arms to detect the effects of spondylosis on the spinal cord or nerves.

6.2. Recommended tests

• X-ray: X-rays help doctors identify abnormalities that contribute to cervical spondylosis, such as bone spurs or bone bridges. Additionally, X-rays help rule out rarer or more serious causes of neck pain, such as tumors, fractures, or infections.
• CT scan: A CT scan provides detailed images of small bone damage.
• MRI: MRI allows for precise identification of areas where nerves are being compressed.
  

7. Treatment of Cervical Spondylosis

7.1. Treatment principles

Cervical spondylosis is a natural degenerative process associated with aging, and there is no factor that can reverse it. However, we can prevent further degeneration by treating the symptoms and improving the mobility of the cervical spine.

7.2. Methods for treating Neck Pain

Rest and relaxation

If cervical spondylosis is mild, patients should focus on resting and relieving stress by listening to music, reading, taking walks, or traveling with loved ones. When resting or sleeping, it’s important to use a comfortable pillow at a moderate height (not too high or too low), and occasionally change positions to ensure good blood circulation.

Hot/Cold compress

The hot/cold compress method helps stimulate blood circulation and control pain in the neck. Typically, patients should start with a hot compress and then follow with a cold compress. Additionally, it’s important not to apply ice directly; it should be wrapped in a soft cloth. Avoid applying the compress continuously to the painful or swollen areas, as well as to areas with poor blood circulation.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture for treating cervical spondylosis is a therapy from Traditional Chinese Medicine for back pain, headaches, and musculoskeletal disorders. The principle of acupuncture is based on the flow of “Qi” (energy) in the body, which flows in a balanced way to maintain harmony between Yin and Yang. When the flow of Qi is disrupted, pain symptoms quickly appear. At this point, acupuncture therapy helps to naturally relieve pain, unblock energy flow, and restore the function of the organs.

The needles used in acupuncture are relatively small and thin. Depending on the symptoms, doctors will insert the needles at different acupoints for 20-40 minutes at each location.

Pain relievers and muscle relaxants

“Eat vegetables when hungry, take medicine when in pain.” Instead of visiting a doctor when signs of cervical spondylosis appear, many patients tend to self-medicate with pain relievers in the form of oral tablets, topical creams, or sprays. These typically include:

• Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
• Corticosteroid injections
• Muscle relaxants containing Cyclobenzaprine
• Anticonvulsants

In fact, the cause of neck pain arises from a misalignment of the spinal structure. Therefore, pain relievers only provide temporary relief and are ineffective in treating the root cause of the pain.

According to recommendations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), abusing pain relievers can increase the risk of stomach ulcers, liver failure, kidney failure, heart attacks, and even strokes. For this reason, experts encourage patients to consult a neurologist for proper diagnosis and treatment, avoiding potential risks.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy methods such as stretching, massage, or electrotherapy help strengthen the muscles in the neck and shoulders, significantly reducing pain. When opting for physiotherapy, patients should follow the recommendations of a specialist in joint and neurological care to avoid harsh or improper techniques that could worsen the condition.

It is best for patients to choose reputable clinics equipped with modern physiotherapy and rehabilitation machines to ensure safety and optimal effectiveness.

Chiropractic care

Mrs. Nguyen Thi Phan (74 years old, Soc Trang province) shared: “In the past, I often used pain-relieving injections to improve symptoms of cervical spondylosis. However, the effects were short-lived and posed many health risks. By chance, a relative introduced me to Chiropractic Care. After about two sessions, I completely recovered and no longer felt joint pain.”

In the U.S. and other developed countries, Chiropractic is a safe and effective method used to treat cervical spondylosis. The mechanism involves using hands to adjust misaligned vertebrae, returning them to their natural positions, while relieving pressure on the nerve roots, helping to heal the pain without the need for surgery or medication.

The good news for patients with cervical spondylosis is that you can treat the condition at its root at ACC – the first Chiropractic Clinic in Vietnam, with nearly 20 years of experience and a team of highly experienced foreign doctors. Here, the doctors perform spinal adjustments to reduce pressure on the joints, discs, and nerves, without using any medication or surgical intervention, ensuring safety and no side effects.

As patients begin to feel better, the doctors also develop a suitable treatment plan, combining physiotherapy with modern equipment such as DTS decompression machines, Class IV Laser therapy, and Shockwave therapy, along with specialized rehabilitation programs to heal damaged tissues and restore the patient’s mobility.

To hear advice and insights from Dr. Wade Brackenbury (Doctor of Chiropractic at ACC) on treating cervical spondylosis, you can watch HERE.

The combined Chiropractic and physiotherapy rehabilitation regimen at ACC has helped thousands of patients overcome pain and recover up to 95% of their mobility.

8. Preventing Cervical Spondylosis

To prevent cervical spondylosis and the risk of recurrence, you should adjust your lifestyle and working habits based on the following principles:

• After working for a period, take time to massage and care for the neck and shoulder areas. Pay attention to balancing work and rest time to reduce stress on the cervical spine.
• Those who work in an office setting or sit in front of a computer should stand up and walk around, or stretch after 1-2 hours of work to relax the muscles.
• The equipment at your workplace should be appropriate and balanced. Adjust the chair so that your forearms are parallel to the floor, keep your back straight, and ensure your shoulders are level. When sitting to work, the screen should be positioned about 50-66 cm away from your eyes and at an angle of about 10-20 degrees below your eye level, avoiding having the screen too high or too low.
• Regularly exercise and engage in joint movements through yoga exercises designed for cervical spondylosis.
• Include calcium-rich foods such as shrimp, crab, snails, and milk; vegetables, fruits rich in micronutrients, especially vitamin B complex, in your daily meals to strengthen bones and prevent musculoskeletal diseases.

Cervical spondylosis can cause many difficulties in daily activities and work. To treat cervical spondylosis, patients should apply methods that realign the spine to its normal position, such as Chiropractic Care at ACC. It is also important to combine a balanced diet, proper rest, and regular physical activity to enhance spinal flexibility and maintain long-term effectiveness.

To understand more about cervical spondylosis and how to address the condition, feel free to watch the conversation with Dr. Wade Brackenbury.