Update on the management of axial neck pain, cervical radiculopathy, and myelopathy

Abstract

Spondylosis refers to degenerative changes in the spine, and axial neck pain is one clinical entity caused by a variety of sources but usually managed conservatively. In this study, we comment on the indications, advantages and disadvantages of different approaches to the spine.

Treatment of cervical radiculopathy is initially managed nonoperatively but good results ensue with surgical management either through an anterior or a posterior approach. Cervical myelopathy is the most common degenerative disorder of the spine in the elderly, next to neck pain, and slow, stepwise deterioration usually is observed with increasing age. Anterior and posterior approaches have been successful, and the choice of the approach depends on the source of the disease. Early results of motion-sparing technology are promising, but long-term data are lacking.

Surgeons should be encouraged to take all patient factors, areas, and extent of cord compression into account and then approach the spine problem in a way that works best for them.