Cervical spondylosis and dysphagia

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Medicine
• Gastroenterology
• Neurology

Background:

• Cervical spondylosis is a degenerative condition affecting the cervical spine.
• Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, is a common symptom in the elderly population.
• Osteophytes, or bone spurs, are characteristic of spondylosis and can impinge on surrounding structures.

Observation:

• Elderly patients with cervical spondylosis may experience dysphagia.
• The pressure of solid food on osteophytes can trigger pain and cricopharyngeal spasm.
• Barium swallow fluoroscopy may reveal a transient sharp cut-off in the barium column.

Findings:

• A triad of dysphagia, pain on swallowing, and cricopharyngeal spasm in elderly patients with cervical spondylosis is identified.
• This symptom complex is likely caused by food impinging on cervical osteophytes.
• Radiological evidence of a sharp cut-off during barium swallow supports this diagnosis.

Implications:

• This triad serves as a potential diagnostic indicator for dysphagia secondary to cervical spondylosis.
• Early recognition can guide appropriate diagnostic workup and management strategies.
• Further research is warranted to confirm the prevalence and clinical significance of this finding.