Cervical Spondylosis
Age-related wear and tear affecting the spinal disks in the neck, with bone spurs and stiffness.
Overview
Cervical spondylosis is a general term for age-related wear and tear affecting the spinal disks in your neck. As the disks dehydrate and shrink, signs of osteoarthritis develop, including bony projections along the edges of bones (bone spurs).
Cervical spondylosis is very common and worsens with age — more than 85% of people older than 60 are affected. For most people it causes no symptoms, and when symptoms do occur, non-surgical treatments are often effective.
Common symptoms
- Neck pain and stiffness, often worse with upright activity
- Headaches originating at the back of the head
- Pain radiating into the shoulder, arm or between the shoulder blades
- Tingling, numbness or weakness in the arms or hands
- Grinding sensation when turning the neck
Prevention & self-care
- Set screens at eye level and avoid prolonged neck flexion
- Do daily gentle neck mobility and shoulder-blade work
- Use a single supportive pillow at night
- Take a movement break every 30–40 minutes at a desk
When to see a doctor
Book a review for arm weakness, clumsy hands, unsteady walking, or neck pain following an injury.
Book a consultationRelated conditions
Arthritis
An umbrella term for more than 100 joint conditions causing pain, inflammation and stiffness.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
A chronic autoimmune inflammatory disorder that affects the joint lining and can involve other body systems.
Gout
A complex form of arthritis marked by sudden, severe attacks of pain and swelling, most often in the big toe.