Cervical Spondylosis Treated in The Woodlands, TX

Tired woman sitting in front of laptop massaging her painful neck

Cervical spondylosis is a form of arthritis that affects the small joints between vertebrae (facet joints) in the neck. The most common type of neck arthritis is osteoarthritis, which is caused by degeneration resulting from daily wear and tear.

A facet joint works like the hinge on a door. When functioning properly, the hinge helps the door open and close smoothly; it does not allow the door to grind against the frame. Similarly, a healthy facet joint has cushioning cartilage and lubricating synovial fluid that allow the joint to move fluidly and painlessly. Much like door hinges that wear out over time, facet joints in the neck can gradually dry out and become brittle with age. This common degenerative condition, which is known as cervical spondylosis, can cause painful friction during movement.

The Importance of a Proper Diagnosis

The key to finding effective relief from cervical spondylosis symptoms is an accurate diagnosis. If you are experiencing this type of discomfort, you are welcome to consult with Dr. R. Alexander Mohr, a fellowship-trained, board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon who practices in The Woodlands, Texas.

To help Dr. Mohr understand your symptoms, you will need to describe them as accurately as possible. You might find it helpful to think about:

Where do you feel pain? Is it in your neck or upper back? Does it seem to radiate from your neck through your shoulders and arms?
What is the nature of your pain? Is it sharp or dull? Do you have numbness and tingling? Do you ever have a complete loss of feeling?
Are your movements limited? For instance, do you feel pain when you move your head from side to side or front to back? How about when you shrug your shoulders or lift a heavy object?
What treatments have you tried, and what was the result? Do pain medications help? Is rest the only thing that relieves your pain?

Finding the Right Treatment Plan

Once Dr. Mohr confirms your diagnosis, he will help you develop a personalized treatment plan, which may include rest, medication, physical therapy, therapeutic massage, hot/cold therapy and/or injections.

If your cervical spondylosis symptoms do not respond to conservative treatment, Dr. Mohr can help you explore your surgical treatment options, answer your questions and guide your decision-making to ensure you choose the right path for you.

To request a consultation with Dr. Mohr, contact his office in The Woodlands, TX, today.