What are the dangers of cervical spondylosis?

Cervical spondylosis is a common degenerative disease that primarily adversely affects the structure and function of the cervical spine. Its harmful effects are mainly manifested in the following aspects:

1. Neck and shoulder pain: Cervical spondylosis often causes pain in the neck and shoulders. This pain may be a persistent dull ache or sharp, stabbing pain, significantly affecting the patient's daily life, reducing quality of life, and interfering with work performance, thereby lowering work efficiency.

2. Compression of nerve roots: Herniation of cervical intervertebral discs or the formation of bone spurs may compress the nerve roots. This can cause pain, numbness, and even weakness in the neck, shoulders, and arms. In severe cases, it may affect fine motor skills of the fingers, such as the inability to fasten buttons or hold chopsticks flexibly.

3. Compression of the vertebral artery: Lesions in the cervical spine may cause compression of the vertebral artery, subsequently affecting blood supply to the brain. This can trigger a series of symptoms such as dizziness, a sensation of spinning; headache, which may be a persistent dull pain or a throbbing pain; and blurred vision or other manifestations of cerebral ischemia.

4. Insufficient vertebral artery blood supply: This can lead to dizziness and headache, with patients frequently experiencing a feeling of mental fogginess. It may also result in memory loss, affecting normal learning and work.

5. Autonomic nervous system dysfunction: Cervical lesions may also affect the sympathetic nerves in the neck, triggering symptoms of autonomic dysfunction such as palpitations, rapid or irregular heartbeat; chest tightness, a feeling of difficulty breathing; and gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.