Spinal surgery -- cervical - series

Cervical spine disease is usually caused by herniated intervertebral discs, abnormal growth of bony processes on the vertebral bodies (osteophytes), which compress spinal nerves, trauma, and narrowing (stenosis) of the spinal column around the spinal cord.

Symptoms of cervical spine problems include:

• pain that interferes with daily activities
• neck pain that extends (radiates) to the shoulder or arm
• weakness of arms or legs
• numbness of arms, hands, or fingers

Review Date: 07/04/2004
Reviewed By: Andrew L. Chen, M.D., M.S., Steadman-Hawkins Sports Medicine Foundation, Vail, CO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.