Spondylosis

I was recently involved in a car accident and went to the ER for treatment. I am having pain in my neck which travels down my shoulder to my left arm. My arm feels very heavy and I have lost some of the strength in my arm. The radiologist's report stated that I had multi level spondylosis of C5 and C6. I do not know what that means. Was this caused from the accident or did the accident irritate it? What exactly is multi level spondylosis? I had never had any problems with my neck before this. My family physician at my follow up appointment told me to go home and put hot compresses on my neck and to take the muscle relaxers given to me from the ER. What should I do?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Spondylosis is an abnormal fixation or immobility of the vertibrae.  Multi-level suggests that several vertibrae are involved (i.e. the C5 and C6 vertibrae).  

It is likely this was present before the accident, and exacerbated after the accident.  

Typically, physical therapy and other conservative measures are prescribed.  If symptoms continue, you can consider an MRI to evaluate whether there is any disk disease.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
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