Overview
Cervical spondylosis is age-related wear of the bones and discs in the neck, extremely common as people get older and increasingly seen earlier due to long hours bent over phones and computers. It causes neck pain and stiffness, and sometimes pinches a nerve, sending pain or tingling into the arm. Most people manage well with posture correction, exercises and pain relief; only a few with nerve pressure need further treatment.
Symptoms
- Neck pain and stiffness, worse with movement
- A grinding feeling on turning the neck
- Pain, tingling or numbness spreading into the arm or hand
- Headaches starting from the back of the head
- Muscle weakness in the arm in severe cases
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for lasting neck pain, or promptly if there is arm weakness, numbness, or problems with hand coordination or walking.
Emergency — call 108 or go to the nearest hospital
- Weakness in the arms or legs, unsteady walking, or loss of bladder or bowel control — signs of spinal cord pressure, seek care urgently
Causes
Age-related wear of neck discs and joints, worsened by poor posture, prolonged screen and phone use, and previous neck injury.