Donna Cox has cervical spondylosis

Communications Minister Donna Cox has cervical spondylosis, a term that refers to the degrading of the spinal disks in the neck owing to wear and tear as a person ages.

She was asked about the state of her health on Wednesday at the Ministry of Health's covid19 briefing.

Cox said she’s been having pains in her right hand. She went to the doctor and to the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Centre where she was diagnosed with cervical spondylosis.

According to the Mayo Clinic website, “As the disks dehydrate and shrink, signs of osteoarthritis develop, including bony projections along the edges of bones.”

Cervical spondylosis is a common aging ailment and worsens as a person gets older. The Mayo Clinic said more than 85 per cent of people over the age of age 60 are affected.

Cox said her hand is still swollen.

“I’m not totally up to par yet… I am okay, and I am doing better day by day.”

She thanked the media and the public for their concern.