Cervical Spondylosis and Its Detection

A stressed body usually has headache, body ache and neck pain. These are the usual symptoms you will feel when you are tired and experiencing fatigue. You often tagged this as a common feeling and often neglect it. But actually, these three symptoms might be common and its sources are so surprising. These three symptoms might be telling you that they come from an underlying disease or condition, like Cervical Spondylosis.

Neck pain is the most famous symptom of cervical spondylosis. It is very common that you don't usually go to the doctor to be examined if you experience neck pain. Worst, you will just consult the doctor if the pain is really severe that you cannot bear it anymore. To prevent this from happening, try to learn what are the possible diagnostic examinations used to detect cervical spondylosis.

In determining if you have cervical spondylosis, it is very important to be assessed and examined by your doctor. Your doctor will ask for your complete medical history and other vital information such as family history, vices and even occupation. These aspects are the usual risk factors associated with cervical spondylosis. After that, your doctor will perform complete physical examination especially with your neck, lower and upper extremities. Swollen glands or tender points may also be assessed by exerting pressure on your shoulders and neck.

Blood tests may also be included in your assessment. This will add information to your doctors' initial examination to you. There are also other tests used to determine if you have cervical spondylosis. This includes X-ray, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography Scan (CT Scan), Myelography and Electromyelography.

X-rays

X-rays are conventionally ordered as an initial procedure in spine imaging. It will present changes in aging like the formation of bone spurs.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography scan (CT scan)

Compared to X-rays, MRI can produce better pictures of soft tissues as discs, spinal cord, muscles, and nerves. It is more expensive than X-ray but it can give you a more accurate description of your condition. Computed Tomography scan (CT scan), conversely, is a specialized X-ray. It permits thorough assessment of the spinal canal and bones.

Myelography and Electromyelography (EMG)

Myelography is also an X-ray procedure. The only difference is that it injects contrast or dye into spinal cord. It also permits thorough evaluation of the nerve roots and the spinal canal. On the other hand, Electromyelography (or EMG) is done to search for nerve pinching or nerve damage.

If you are feeling the symptoms now, find a doctor. Ask for an advice and have some tests. Remember, prevention is better than cure and early detection is better that your later solution.