Which of the following statements are true?

B. Cervical spondylosis represents a combination of degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis in the cervical spine.

E. Full neck extension frequently accentuates the neck and arm pain of a patient with a cervical disc herniation.

DISCUSSION: A symptomatic cervical disc herniation usually occurs in a posterolateral direction, although a directly posterior (central) herniation may occasionally occur. The posterolateral herniated disc can be removed by either a posterior or an anterior approach, but the anterior approach is preferred for the central herniation because the surgeon can remove the ruptured disc without manipulating (and possibly injuring) an already compromised spinal cord. Cervical spondylosis represents a combination in the cervical spine of degenerative disc disease and osteophyte formation (including that from osteoarthritis of the apophyseal joints and the joints of Luschka). The cervical spine contains the joints of Luschka, which are not present elsewhere in the spine. These joints, one on each side of the disc, are separate from the more posteriorly situated facet joints (apophyseal or interpedicular joints). The term cervical myelopathy refers to dysfunction of the cervical portion of the spinal cord. Pain and/or neurologic dysfunction in the distribution of one or more cervical nerve roots is termed cervical radiculopathy. Neck movement, especially extension, often intensifies the neck and arm pain of a patient with a cervical disc herniation.