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Updated: May 7, 2026

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy DISE with Target Controlled Infusion TCI and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Published on: December 6, 2016
Sleep apnea and cervical spine pathology
Adam Khan1, Khoi D Than, Kevin S Chen
1University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
Cervical spine pathologies, such as osteophytes and rheumatoid arthritis, can cause obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in some individuals. Understanding these conditions is crucial for diagnosing and managing OSA in affected patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Orthopedics
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- Sleep apnea is a complex condition with numerous causes.
- The cervical spine's proximity to the upper airway suggests a potential link to sleep apnea.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing literature on cervical spine pathologies as a cause of sleep apnea.
- To elucidate the mechanisms by which cervical spine issues may lead to sleep apnea.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive search of the PubMed database was performed.
- English-language articles focusing on the cervical spine and sleep apnea were identified and reviewed.
- Seventeen relevant studies were selected for analysis.
Main Results:
- Single cervical spine lesions, including osteochondromas and osteophytes, can cause sleep apnea.
- Multifocal conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and cervical fusion can also be implicated.
- Occipital-cervical misalignment, both pre- and post-surgery, is a risk factor.
Conclusions:
- Cervical spine pathologies represent an important, often overlooked, cause of obstructive sleep apnea in specific patient groups.
- Clinicians should consider cervical spine abnormalities in the differential diagnosis of sleep apnea.
- Awareness of these etiologies aids in the diagnosis and management of sleep apnea.
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