Cervical Spondylosis | Anatomy

Cervical spondylosis is a degenerative condition of the cervical region of the spine. This pathological condition can include facet joint osteoarthritis, bone spurs, or disc herniation. Cervical spondylosis causes narrowing of the vertebral artery canal and spinal canal, which compresses vessels and nerves structures. These changes can cause neurological symptoms. 90 % of the world’s population over the age of 65 has cervical spondylosis, but few people have symptoms of this condition.

The cervical region of the spine is made up of seven vertebrae, which are designated as C1 through C7. The cervical region of the spine is very mobile. The mobility of the neck is ensured by the facet joints, the intervertebral discs, and the spinal ligaments. Cervical vertebrae are different from other vertebrae because they have holes in the transverse processes called transverse foramina. Arteries, which supply the brain with blood, come from the neck through these holes. The cervical region of the spine is curved forward. This curving helps to absorb pressure, vibrations, and shock that occur with movement.