Q: I have cervical spondylosis. It was under control through simple exercises and yoga till recently. But off late the pain started spreading to the entire right side and I am experiencing loss of sensation and feeling giddy for a few seconds, especially when I get up after sitting for some time. My blood pressure (BP) is normal and I am not a diabetic. Are these symptoms typical of cervical spondylosis or do they point out something else? What is the remedy for the same? Should I take any medication or consult a neurologist?

A:Cervical spondylosis is a common accompaniment of aging. It usually causes neck pain and stiffness. Sometimes, tiny bits of bone from the vertebra (called osteophytes) press on the nerves coming out of the small holes of vertebral appendages. This causes severe lightning pain moving along the nerve route (called radicular pain), which typically increases on bending, coughing and sneezing. Uncommonly, sometimes, the jelly like material between the vertebrae (called discs) get dried up due to aging and they slip out. These and osteophytes can compress the spinal cord and then weakness of limbs and unsteadiness of gait can occur. Unlike common belief, cervical spondylosis usually does not cause dizziness or vertigo. Your symptoms of spread of pain to the right side (is it the arm, entire body or the face) and feeling of loss of sensation (pain is type of sensation; do you mean loss of sensation of touch?) are rather non-specific. Therefore, your symptoms need evaluation by a good neurologist.