Distinguishing Symptoms of Cervical Spondylosis and Autonomic Dysfunction

How to differentiate sympathetic nervous system symptoms?

Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing numbness in my left hand for the past week or two, and I went to see a neurosurgeon.
After some tests, I was diagnosed with "cervical spondylosis." However, I found an article online stating that this "cervical spondylosis" can also cause sympathetic nervous system issues, and many symptoms overlap with those of autonomic nervous dysfunction.
I'm unsure how to differentiate between the two.
My understanding is that if taking a sedative provides relief, it indicates a nervous system disorder; if it does not, it suggests an organ-related pathology.
Is this perspective correct? Here is the article from CommonHealth regarding cervical spondylosis: http://www.commonhealth.com.tw/article/article.action?nid=66567&page=1

josephy, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/09/20

Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery

Hello,
1.
"Cervical spondylosis" can indeed lead to sympathetic nervous system issues.

2.
If you are experiencing numbness in your left hand, and if cervical X-rays or MRI show nerve compression, it is likely a cervical spine issue.

3.
However, if your symptoms are related to "autonomic nervous system dysfunction," a medical evaluation is necessary to differentiate the underlying causes; it cannot be resolved with just a few words.

4.
The notion that one can simply take a sedative for self-awareness is incorrect.

Best wishes,
Dr.
Lai Chao-Kang, Changhua Hospital

Reply Date: 2016/09/20

More Info

Cervical spondylosis is a common degenerative condition of the cervical spine that can lead to a variety of symptoms, including neck pain, stiffness, and neurological symptoms such as numbness or tingling in the arms. It is often associated with age-related changes in the spine, including disc degeneration, osteophyte formation, and potential nerve root compression. On the other hand, autonomic dysfunction refers to a condition where the autonomic nervous system (ANS) does not function properly, leading to symptoms that can affect various bodily functions, including heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion.

When distinguishing between symptoms of cervical spondylosis and autonomic dysfunction, it is essential to consider the nature and context of the symptoms. Cervical spondylosis primarily affects the cervical spine and can lead to radiculopathy (nerve root compression) or myelopathy (spinal cord compression). Symptoms of cervical spondylosis may include:
1. Localized Neck Pain: Pain that is often exacerbated by movement or certain positions.

2. Radiating Pain: Pain that travels down the arms, often following the distribution of specific nerve roots (e.g., C6, C7).

3. Numbness and Tingling: Sensations that may occur in the arms or fingers, indicating nerve involvement.

4. Muscle Weakness: Weakness in the arms or hands, which can affect grip strength.

5. Stiffness: Reduced range of motion in the neck.

In contrast, symptoms of autonomic dysfunction can be more systemic and may include:
1. Dizziness or Lightheadedness: Often related to changes in blood pressure or heart rate.

2. Sweating Abnormalities: Either excessive sweating or reduced sweating.

3. Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Such as bloating, constipation, or diarrhea.

4. Temperature Regulation Issues: Difficulty in maintaining normal body temperature.

5. Fatigue: Generalized fatigue that may not be directly related to physical exertion.

Your understanding of using a sedative to differentiate between the two conditions is partially valid. If a sedative alleviates symptoms, it may suggest that the symptoms are more related to anxiety or autonomic dysfunction rather than a structural issue in the cervical spine. However, this is not a definitive diagnostic approach. A thorough clinical evaluation, including a detailed history, physical examination, and possibly imaging studies, is necessary to accurately diagnose the underlying cause of your symptoms.

In practice, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional who can perform a comprehensive assessment. This may include neurological examinations to evaluate reflexes, strength, and sensory function, as well as autonomic testing if autonomic dysfunction is suspected. Treatment strategies may vary significantly based on the underlying diagnosis, and addressing the root cause of your symptoms is essential for effective management.

In summary, while there can be overlapping symptoms between cervical spondylosis and autonomic dysfunction, careful clinical evaluation is necessary to differentiate between the two. If you are experiencing symptoms that concern you, it is advisable to follow up with your healthcare provider for further assessment and tailored treatment options.

Similar Q&A

Is Autonomic Nervous System Disorder Linked to Cervical Spine Issues?

Hello, doctor. A couple of years ago, after sitting for a long time, I suddenly experienced symptoms such as chest tightness and sharp chest pain. After a while, I felt increasingly uncomfortable and fainted, likely due to hyperventilation and a panic attack. I then went to the e...

Dr. Cai Zongzhang reply Neurology
Hello Johnny: Based on the symptom description, it is recommended to visit a neurology outpatient clinic to check for any neurological pain.

Differentiating Between Cervical Spondylosis and Anxiety Symptoms

Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if the symptoms of cervical spondylosis are similar to those of anxiety disorder. I wake up every day feeling dizzy, with palpitations, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing. I also experience a dull pain below my ribs and a sense of panic a...

Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry
Hello, on a sunny day: Physical symptoms and psychological symptoms actually influence each other. Chronic physical illnesses can affect mood, while feelings of depression and anxiety can amplify physical discomfort, sometimes creating a vicious cycle. In most cases, both physica...

Understanding Cervical Spine Surgery and Sympathetic Nerve Issues

Hello Dr. Lai: I fell from a ladder and injured my cervical spine, which has resulted in back pain, headaches, dizziness, tinnitus, insomnia, blurred vision, palpitations, chest tightness, nausea, vomiting, memory loss, anxiety, gastrointestinal discomfort, and weakness in my lim...

Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: 1. If you have undergone surgery at another hospital and have not experienced any improvement after 4 months, you can undergo an MRI examination for evaluation; there is no such thing as "only X-rays." 2. Your symptoms may be caused by cervical spinal cord nerve ...

Understanding Symptoms: Sweating, Numbness, and Neck Stiffness Explained

Hello Doctor, about a few months ago, I started experiencing excessive cold sweats on my head, even more than after exercising. Following that, I have had numbness in my hands and arms, along with neck stiffness, dizziness, headaches, and insomnia. Sometimes, I feel a sudden paus...

Dr. Cai Zongzhang reply Neurology
Hello Ms. Huang: The symptoms mentioned above are suspected to be autonomic nervous system symptoms. It is recommended to visit a neurology outpatient clinic for examination.