Can cervical spondylosis cause numbness in the lower leg?
Disease description:
I think cervical spondylosis has a wide range of effects due to its unique pathogenesis and can also cause various conditions, such as neck and shoulder pain, hypertension, palpitations, and leg numbness. Many people believe that leg numbness is solely caused by leg-related diseases, without realizing that cervical spondylosis can also lead to such symptoms. So, can cervical spondylosis cause numbness in the lower legs?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Lin Yunfei
Cervical spondylosis can cause numbness in the legs, primarily seen in cervical spondylotic myelopathy. In patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy, compression and irritation of the spinal cord may lead to symptoms such as leg numbness, fatigue, and is usually accompanied by muscle atrophy. In particularly severe cases, it can result in lower limb paralysis and urinary dysfunction. Other types of cervical spondylosis typically do not cause numbness in the lower limbs. If diagnosed with cervical spondylotic myelopathy, enhanced care is required, including maintaining cervical immobilization and ensuring adequate rest. Surgical intervention should be considered when there is a risk of lower limb paralysis.
