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Tests and diagnosis
By Mayo Clinic staffYour symptoms and history, along with an examination, may suggest that you have cervical spondylosis. You may also have imaging tests. The work-up may include:
- Neck flexibility assessment. Cervical spondylosis limits the range of motion in your neck. To observe this effect, your doctor may have you tilt your head toward each of your shoulders and rotate your neck from side to side.
- Neurological exam. To find out if there's pressure on your spinal nerves or spinal cord, your doctor will test your reflexes and make sure you have sensation all along your arms and legs. He or she may watch you walk to see if spinal compression is affecting your gait.
- Neck or spinal X-ray. An X-ray may show abnormalities, such as bone spurs, that indicate cervical spondylosis.
- Computerized tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A CT scan of your spine uses X-ray technology, but produces a more detailed image than X-ray can. MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves and can produce detailed, cross-sectional images of your spine. These tests may help your doctor determine the extent of damage to your cervical spine.
- Myelogram. This test involves generating images using X-rays or CT scans after dye is injected into the spinal canal. The dye makes areas of your spine more visible.
- Electromyogram (EMG). This test measures the electrical activity in your nerves as they transmit messages to your muscles when the muscles are contracting and when they're at rest. The purpose of an EMG is to assess the health of your muscles and the nerves that control them.
- Nerve conduction study. For this test, electrodes are attached to your skin above the nerve to be studied. A small shock is passed through the nerve to measure the strength and speed of nerve signals.
References
- 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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