Causes of Cervical Spondylitis

Cervical spondylitis, indeed spondylitis itself, is known to be genetically influenced. Research has shown that variations of the HLA-B gene, part of a family of genes called Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA), influences the occurrence of spondylitis.

It is therefore very possible for a person with a family history of cervical spondylitis to have it himself, without the influence of any of the other factors. However, this possibility exists in only a few cases, as the number of people with spondylitis as a hereditary disorder has been found to be relatively low.

Another crucial factor is doing work that puts pressure on the neck region, like lifting heavy loads, gymnastics, etc. Other variations of this factor are work environments that require people to work in one position, usually bending, for long periods of time.

In short, any activity that puts undue stress on the neck for prolonged periods can cause cervical spondylitis. Some examples are watching the TV seated at an odd position that puts pressure on the neck, traveling for long distances and sleeping while seated, working the phones for long hours, etc.

Symptoms of Cervical Spondylitis

There are quite a few symptoms that indicate cervical spondylitis. These symptoms may show up distinctively, or may overlap one another. The following are the commonly seen symptoms of cervical spondylitis:

1. Pain in the neck and shoulder regions. The pain in the neck region is usually followed by stiffening, which gradually increases. The pain in the neck area can also move downwards to the shoulders and the arms. Some patients may also experience swelling.
2. Pain in the lower areas at the back of the head, called the sub-occipital region. This pain can move downwards to the base of the neck, as well as the top of the head.
3. Radicular symptoms. Patients may sometimes display loss of reflexes in certain areas due to the compression of the spinal nerves. Other radicular symptoms include numbness and pain in specific areas, usually the arms and the shoulders.
4. Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy (CSM). Patients with CSM may experience difficulty in writing, unusual sensations, as well as weakness.
5. In rare cases, one may find loss of control over the sphincter, as well as incontinence while passing urine. Some patients may also experience urgency in passing urine.
6. A patient suffering from cervical spondylitis suffers from compression of the spinal cord, which in turn leads to a compression of the spinal nerves. This may manifest itself in the form of an unstable gait.
7. Another prominent symptom is the weakening of the muscles in the upper arms, slowly progressing to the lower regions of the arms. This is preceded by pain in the upper region of the arms.

Treating Cervical Spondylitis >>