Cervical Spondylosis on MRI: What It Means
Cervical spondylosis is a common finding on MRI scans of the neck. It refers to age-related wear and tear changes in the cervical spine, which includes the bones, discs, joints, and ligaments in the neck. Radiology reports often mention cervical spondylosis when an MRI shows degeneration in this area. Understanding what this means can help patients interpret their results and discuss them more confidently with their doctor.
What Is Cervical Spondylosis?
Cervical spondylosis is essentially arthritis of the neck. It happens as the discs between the vertebrae lose water content over time. This can lead to stiffness, bone spurs, and narrowing of the spaces where nerves exit the spine. While most people develop some degree of cervical spondylosis as they age, not everyone experiences symptoms.
Why Is MRI Used for Cervical Spondylosis?
MRI is the most detailed imaging tool for the cervical spine. Unlike X-rays or CT scans, MRI shows soft tissues such as spinal discs, ligaments, and the spinal cord itself. Radiologists use MRI to assess:
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Disc bulges or herniations
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Narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis)
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Bone spurs pressing on nerves
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Inflammation or other abnormalities in the spinal cord
This information helps doctors decide whether symptoms are due to degenerative changes or another cause.
Typical MRI Findings of Cervical Spondylosis
When a radiologist describes cervical spondylosis on an MRI report, several features may be included:
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Disc Desiccation: Discs look darker on MRI because they have lost water content.
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Disc Bulging: The disc extends beyond its normal boundaries, sometimes touching nerves.
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Osteophytes (Bone Spurs): Extra bone growth along the edges of the vertebrae.
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Facet Joint Arthritis: Wear and tear in the small joints at the back of the spine.
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Spinal Canal Narrowing: Less space for the spinal cord.
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Neural Foraminal Narrowing: Reduced space for nerves to exit, which can cause arm pain or numbness.
Symptoms Related to Cervical Spondylosis
Many people with cervical spondylosis on MRI have no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they can include:
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Neck stiffness or pain
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Shoulder or arm pain
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Tingling or numbness in the arms or hands
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Weakness in the arms or legs if the spinal cord is compressed
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Headaches that start at the back of the head
MRI findings often explain these symptoms, but not always. Some patients with significant MRI changes feel fine, while others with minimal changes may have symptoms.
Severity of MRI Findings
Cervical spondylosis can range from mild to severe. Radiologists describe the degree of narrowing and whether nerves or the spinal cord are visibly compressed.
Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy
One of the most concerning findings on MRI is cervical spondylotic myelopathy. This happens when cervical spondylosis causes pressure on the spinal cord. MRI may show spinal cord flattening or signal changes inside the cord itself. Symptoms may include clumsiness, balance problems, and weakness. Doctors pay close attention to these MRI signs, since they may indicate the need for surgical treatment.
Treatment Decisions Based on MRI
Doctors use MRI results along with a patient’s symptoms and exam findings to guide treatment. Conservative therapies may include exercise, physical therapy, posture changes, and anti-inflammatory medications. More invasive management may include steroid injections and surgery to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. MRI helps to determine whether conservative care is reasonable or if surgery should be considered.
When to Be Concerned About MRI Findings
Not every report of cervical spondylosis is a cause for alarm. It is common as we get older and often requires no intervention. However, MRI findings are more significant if:
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There is spinal cord compression.
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The report mentions cord signal changes.
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Symptoms include weakness, loss of coordination, or walking difficulties.
These cases may need urgent evaluation by a spine specialist.
Conclusion
Cervical spondylosis on MRI means age-related changes in the cervical spine (spine in the neck). While common and often harmless, it can sometimes cause nerve compression or spinal cord pressure. MRI helps identify the severity of these changes and guides treatment options ranging from simple exercises to surgery. Understanding what your MRI report means can help you have informed conversations with your doctor.
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551557/
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17685-cervical-spondylosis
https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/cervical-spondylosis-arthritis-of-the-neck/