This condition typically presents with decreased spaces between the disks of the spine along with the build-up of material around vertebral end plates (sclerosis) and spurring of the vertebrae. Spurring refers to the development of a sharp point on the side or back of the vertebrae. These spurs can project into surrounding tissue causing considerable distress, usually manifesting as neck pains.
• Age Range and Location.
The degenerative changes of hypertrophy are almost always found in the C4 through C7 vertebrae. It is a condition that usually manifests as the ageing process reaches the third or fourth decade, although there are exceptions.
• Symptoms.
The compression or interference with the spinal cord causes numerous problems, predominantly neck pains. Pain in the arms can also be experienced. The exact symptoms are dependent on where the spinal cord is being pressured and will only become evident through scans such as an MRI. Most patients display pain in the upper thoracic areas, neck, lower and mid back areas.
• Cause.
Aside from general age degeneration of the vertebrae, arthritis and overwork can contribute along with general wear and tear. Injuries to the spine and back can also lead to degeneration.
• Treatment.
A deadening injection is usually used to prevent the pain from becoming intense. Should this method not work entirely, surgical options are available, ranging from a traditional operation to the use of lasers to burn away or ablate the bone that is intruding into the spinal cord. The nerve will also be deadened by this procedure, further easing any pain.
• Age Range and Location.
The degenerative changes of hypertrophy are almost always found in the C4 through C7 vertebrae. It is a condition that usually manifests as the ageing process reaches the third or fourth decade, although there are exceptions.
• Symptoms.
The compression or interference with the spinal cord causes numerous problems, predominantly neck pains. Pain in the arms can also be experienced. The exact symptoms are dependent on where the spinal cord is being pressured and will only become evident through scans such as an MRI. Most patients display pain in the upper thoracic areas, neck, lower and mid back areas.
• Cause.
Aside from general age degeneration of the vertebrae, arthritis and overwork can contribute along with general wear and tear. Injuries to the spine and back can also lead to degeneration.
• Treatment.
A deadening injection is usually used to prevent the pain from becoming intense. Should this method not work entirely, surgical options are available, ranging from a traditional operation to the use of lasers to burn away or ablate the bone that is intruding into the spinal cord. The nerve will also be deadened by this procedure, further easing any pain.
