Overview
Cervical spondylosis is a common, age-related change that affects the bones, discs, and joints of the neck (cervical spine). It is often described as “wear and tear” of the neck that happens naturally as we get older. These changes can lead to stiffness, neck pain, or sometimes nerve irritation that causes tingling or weakness in the arms.
The reassuring part is that most people with cervical spondylosis manage their symptoms well with simple, non-surgical treatments. In fact, many never need surgery.
Causes
Cervical spondylosis develops gradually over time due to:
- Ageing – Discs lose water content and become less flexible, leading to minor cracks or shrinkage.
- Bone spurs (osteophytes) – The body tries to protect worn joints by forming small bony outgrowths.
- Ligament changes – Neck ligaments may stiffen with age, reducing flexibility.
- Lifestyle factors – Poor posture, long hours at a desk, heavy lifting, or prior neck injuries may increase risk.
It’s very common: studies show that more than 85% of people over the age of 60 show some degree of cervical spondylosis on X-rays, even if they don’t always have symptoms.
Signs and Symptoms
Most people experience mild to moderate symptoms that come and go. Common ones include:
- Neck pain or stiffness – Especially after long periods of sitting or in the morning.
- Headaches – Often starting from the back of the head.
- Cracking or grinding sounds when turning the neck.
- Arm pain, tingling, or numbness if nerves are irritated.
- In rare cases, weakness in arms or legs if the spinal cord is affected.
Treatment Options
Conservative (Non-surgical) Care – First Line
- Medications – Pain relievers (acetaminophen, NSAIDs) or short courses of muscle relaxants.
- Physical therapy – Targeted exercises to strengthen neck muscles and improve posture.
- Lifestyle changes – Ergonomic adjustments, avoiding prolonged screen time, gentle neck stretches.
- Heat or cold therapy – For symptom relief.
- Collar (short-term use) – Sometimes for acute flare-ups.
Around 75–90% of patients improve with conservative management within weeks to months.
Surgical Options – When Needed
Surgery is considered only if:
- There is severe nerve or spinal cord compression causing persistent pain, weakness, or difficulty walking.
- Non-surgical treatments have not provided relief.
Common procedures include:
- Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) – Removing the worn disc and fusing the spine.
- Cervical artificial disc replacement – Preserves movement in the neck.
- Posterior decompression surgeries – To relieve pressure from the back of the spine.
Success rates are high: about 80–90% of patients report significant improvement after surgery .
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Most people improve with non-surgical treatments like exercises, medications, and lifestyle changes. Surgery is only needed in a small percentage of cases.
Many patients feel better in 4–6 weeks, though full recovery may take longer. Regular exercises and posture correction speed up improvement.
It is a long-term age-related change, but symptoms can be well-controlled. With proper care, most people live active, pain-free lives.
No—when done correctly under guidance, exercises actually protect the neck and reduce pain. Avoid sudden, jerky movements and follow a physiotherapist’s advice.
Seek medical help if you develop arm/leg weakness, difficulty walking, loss of bladder control, or sudden worsening of pain. These may suggest significant nerve compression.
