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Preparing for your appointment
By Mayo Clinic staffMake an appointment with your doctor if you have signs and symptoms common to cervical spondylosis. After an initial evaluation, your doctor may refer you to a doctor or physical therapist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of spine disorders.
Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment, and what to expect from your doctor.
What you can do
- Write down your symptoms, including when they first started and how often they occur.
- Write down your key medical information, including any previous neck injuries and other health conditions with which you've been diagnosed.
- List all the medications you're currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs as well as any vitamins or supplements.
- Take a family member or friend along, if possible. Someone who accompanies you can help remember information that you missed or forgot.
- Write down questions to ask your doctor. Creating your list of questions in advance can help you make the most of your time with your doctor.
Below are some basic questions to ask a doctor who is examining you for possible cervical spondylosis. If any additional questions occur to you during your visit, don't hesitate to ask.
- What is likely causing my symptoms or condition?
- Are there other possible causes for my symptoms or condition?
- What kinds of tests do I need?
- What treatment approach do you recommend?
- Are surgical treatments an option for me? Why or why not?
- What self-care steps are likely to help improve my symptoms?
- Do I need to follow any activity restrictions?
- How much do you expect my symptoms will improve with treatment?
- Am I at risk of complications from this condition?
- How often will you see me for follow-up visits?
- Should I see a specialist?
Don't hesitate to ask any additional questions that occur to you during your medical evaluation.
What to expect from the doctor
A doctor who sees you for neck pain may ask:
- What are your symptoms?
- When did you first begin experiencing these symptoms?
- Have your symptoms gotten worse over time?
- Where is your pain located?
- What makes your pain worse or better?
- How severe is your pain?
- Have you had previous episodes of similar pain that eventually went away?
- Do your symptoms include any changes in your bladder or bowel control?
- Do your symptoms include any tingling or weakness in your arms, hands, legs or feet?
- Do your symptoms include difficulty walking?
- What treatments or self-care measures have you tried so far?
- Have any treatments or self-care measures helped?
- Have you ever had a neck injury?
- Have you ever been treated for neck pain?
- Have you ever had physical therapy?
- What other medical treatments, including medications and surgical or nonsurgical procedures, have you had in the past?
- Have you been diagnosed with any other medical conditions?
- What medications are you currently taking, including vitamins and supplements?
- What is your occupation?
- What are your hobbies and recreational activities?
What you can do in the meantime
In the time leading up to your appointment, try self-care measures at home. You may find relief from a heating pad and over-the-counter pain relievers, such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others).
Until your doctor evaluates you, try to find a comfortable way to exercise while avoiding activities that cause you pain. When needed, rest for short periods of time.
- Aminoff J. Mechanical and other lesions of the spine, nerve roots, and spinal cord. In: Goldman L, et al., eds. Goldman: Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/176708901-5/933828718/1492/1420.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2805-5..50428-6--cesec48_17886. Accessed Dec. 31, 2009.
- Robinson J, et al. Clinical features and diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 31, 2009.
- Cervical spondylosis. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00369. Accessed Dec. 31, 2009.
- Levin K. Cervical spondylotic myelopathy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 31, 2009.
- Isaac Z, et al. Evaluation of the patient with neck pain and cervical spine disorders. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 31, 2009.
- Williams KD, et al. Lower back pain and disorders of intervertebral discs. In: Canale ST, et al. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/176885618-7/934423257/1584/297.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-03329-9..50042-8--cesec55_2001. Accessed Dec. 31, 2009.
- Roth D, et al. Cervical radiculopathy. Disease-a-Month. 2009:55;737.
- Robinson J, et al. Treatment of cervical radiculopathy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 31, 2009.
- Shelerud RA (expert opinion). Rochester, Minn., Jan. 6, 2010.
- Chang-Miller, A (expert opinion). Rochester, Minn., Jan. 1, 2010.
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