Degenerative and proliferative disease of the neck vertebrae.

A form of vertebral arthritis accompanied by bony outgrowths around the margins of cervical facet joints resulting in compression of cervical nerve roots ( Ch. 11).

Degenerative changes of bones in the neck that place pressure on nerves and muscles to the arms, legs and bladder. May be caused by arthritis, injury or outgrowths of bone that may occur with aging. See Arthritis. Symptoms include pain in neck and shoulders, numbness and tingling in arms, hands and fingers, muscle weakness, dizziness, headache and double vision. Loss of bladder control and leg weakness may occur with advanced disease. Treatment usually relieves symptoms; rarely, surgery is required.