Which is a chronic degenerative condition of the cervical spine that progresses with age and can cause radicular pain or motor weakness due to nerve root compression?

Which is a chronic degenerative condition of the cervical spine that progresses with age and can cause radicular pain or motor weakness due to nerve root compression?

• A. Acute Cervical Strain
• B. Cervical Discitis
• C. Acute Spinal Meningitis
• D. Chronic Degenerative Cervical Spondylosis Causing Radicular Pain or Motor Weakness

Answer: (B)

Chronic degenerative changes in the cervical spine refer to age‑related wear and tear that progressively affect the discs, joints, and bone spurs. As this degeneration advances, the space where the nerve roots exit the spine can narrow (foraminal stenosis) or the central canal can become constricted, leading to pinching of the nerve roots. When a nerve root is compressed, it produces radicular pain that follows the path of the affected nerve and can progress to motor weakness in the muscles served by that nerve. This pattern—slow, progressive degeneration with potential nerve compression causing radiculopathy or weakness—fits cervical spondylosis best. Acute cervical strain is an immediate muscle or ligament injury without long‑standing degenerative nerve compression. Cervical discitis is an infection of the intervertebral disc, typically with fever and inflammatory symptoms. Acute spinal meningitis is an infectious inflammation of the meninges with systemic signs like fever and neck stiffness.

Chronic degenerative changes in the cervical spine refer to age‑related wear and tear that progressively affect the discs, joints, and bone spurs. As this degeneration advances, the space where the nerve roots exit the spine can narrow (foraminal stenosis) or the central canal can become constricted, leading to pinching of the nerve roots. When a nerve root is compressed, it produces radicular pain that follows the path of the affected nerve and can progress to motor weakness in the muscles served by that nerve. This pattern—slow, progressive degeneration with potential nerve compression causing radiculopathy or weakness—fits cervical spondylosis best.

Acute cervical strain is an immediate muscle or ligament injury without long‑standing degenerative nerve compression. Cervical discitis is an infection of the intervertebral disc, typically with fever and inflammatory symptoms. Acute spinal meningitis is an infectious inflammation of the meninges with systemic signs like fever and neck stiffness.