7 Common Symptoms of Cervical Spondylosis You Should Know

Cervical spondylosis, also known as neck arthritis or cervical osteoarthritis, is a common age-related condition affecting the joints and discs in the cervical spine (neck area). As we age, the cushioning discs between the vertebrae in our neck gradually wear down, and the bones may develop bone spurs. While many people with cervical spondylosis experience no symptoms at all, others may develop significant discomfort that affects their daily activities. Understanding the symptoms of this condition is crucial for early detection and proper management.

This degenerative condition affects more than 85% of people over the age of 60, though symptoms don’t always appear. When symptoms do occur, they can range from mild discomfort to severe pain and neurological problems. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the seven most common symptoms of cervical spondylosis, helping you recognize the signs and understand when it’s time to consult with a healthcare professional.

1. Neck Pain and Soreness

Neck pain is the most prevalent symptom of cervical spondylosis, affecting the majority of people who experience symptoms from this condition. This pain typically manifests as a persistent ache in the neck area that may vary in intensity throughout the day.

The pain associated with cervical spondylosis often has these characteristics:

• Location: The pain is usually centered in the neck but may radiate to the base of the skull or between the shoulder blades
• Quality: Patients often describe it as a dull, aching sensation rather than a sharp, stabbing pain
• Timing: The discomfort typically worsens toward the end of the day or after prolonged periods of activity
• Intensity: Pain levels can range from mild annoyance to severe discomfort that interferes with daily activities

Many people find that their neck pain improves with rest and worsens with certain movements or positions. The pain may also be accompanied by a grinding sensation when moving the neck, known as crepitus. This occurs due to the roughened surfaces of the worn joints rubbing together during movement.

2. Neck Stiffness and Reduced Range of Motion

Stiffness in the neck is another hallmark symptom of cervical spondylosis. This stiffness can significantly impact your ability to perform everyday tasks and can be particularly noticeable first thing in the morning or after periods of inactivity.

The stiffness associated with this condition typically presents as:

• Difficulty turning the head: You may find it challenging to look over your shoulder when driving or to turn your head from side to side
• Limited flexion and extension: Bending your neck forward or backward may feel restricted and uncomfortable
• Morning stiffness: The neck often feels particularly tight and rigid upon waking, gradually improving as the day progresses
• Progressive limitation: Over time, the range of motion may become increasingly restricted if left unmanaged

This stiffness occurs because the degenerative changes in the cervical spine affect the normal mechanics of neck movement. As the space between vertebrae narrows and bone spurs develop, the smooth gliding motion of the neck becomes compromised. Some patients also experience muscle tightness in the neck and shoulder area as the body attempts to compensate for the underlying joint dysfunction.

3. Headaches

Cervical spondylosis frequently causes headaches, particularly a specific type known as cervicogenic headaches. These headaches originate from problems in the cervical spine and can be quite debilitating for those who experience them regularly.

Cervicogenic headaches associated with cervical spondylosis have distinct characteristics:

• Location pattern: The pain typically starts at the base of the skull and may radiate to the forehead, temples, or behind the eyes
• One-sided pain: These headaches often affect one side of the head more than the other
• Neck movement trigger: The headache pain often worsens with certain neck movements or sustained neck positions
• Duration: Episodes can last from hours to days, depending on the severity of the underlying condition

The mechanism behind these headaches involves the irritation of nerves in the upper cervical spine, which share pain pathways with nerves that supply sensation to the head. Additionally, muscle tension in the neck and shoulders resulting from cervical spondylosis can contribute to tension-type headaches. Some people may also experience associated symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, or sensitivity to light and sound, though these are less common.

4. Shoulder, Arm, and Hand Pain (Radicular Pain)

When cervical spondylosis causes compression or irritation of the nerve roots that exit the spinal canal in the neck, it can result in radiating pain that travels down the shoulder, arm, and sometimes into the hand and fingers. This symptom, known as cervical radiculopathy or radicular pain, indicates that the degenerative changes are affecting the nervous system.

Radicular pain from cervical spondylosis typically presents with these features:

• Shooting or electric quality: The pain is often described as sharp, shooting, burning, or electric-like, rather than dull and aching
• Specific distribution: The pain follows the path of the affected nerve, typically affecting one arm more than the other
• Neck position sensitivity: Certain neck positions may worsen or improve the arm pain
• Variable intensity: The pain can range from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain

The specific area of the arm affected depends on which nerve root is compressed. For example, compression of the C6 nerve root typically causes pain that radiates down the thumb side of the arm, while C7 involvement affects the middle fingers and back of the arm. This radiating pain occurs because bone spurs or herniated discs press against the nerve roots as they exit the spine, causing inflammation and irritation of these sensitive structures.

5. Numbness and Tingling (Paresthesia)

Many people with cervical spondylosis experience abnormal sensations in their arms, hands, and fingers, medically referred to as paresthesia. These sensations can be unsettling and may interfere with fine motor tasks and daily activities.

Common paresthesia symptoms include:

• Pins and needles: A prickling or tingling sensation, similar to the feeling when a limb “falls asleep”
• Numbness: A reduced ability to feel touch, temperature, or pain in affected areas
• Location patterns: Usually affects the arms, hands, and fingers, following the distribution of specific nerves
• Intermittent or constant: These sensations may come and go or be present continuously

Paresthesia occurs when compressed nerve roots are unable to transmit sensory signals properly from the arms and hands to the brain. The degree of numbness or tingling often correlates with the severity of nerve compression. Some patients notice these sensations more at night or when holding their arms in certain positions. In more severe cases, the numbness may become persistent, potentially indicating significant nerve compression that requires medical evaluation.

6. Weakness in Arms, Hands, or Legs

Muscle weakness is a more serious symptom of cervical spondylosis that indicates significant nerve compression. When nerves that control motor function are affected, it can lead to weakness in the muscles they supply, impacting your ability to perform normal daily activities.

Weakness associated with cervical spondylosis may manifest as:

• Grip strength reduction: Difficulty holding objects, opening jars, or maintaining grip on items
• Arm weakness: Trouble lifting objects, raising the arms, or performing overhead activities
• Leg weakness: In more advanced cases with spinal cord involvement, weakness may affect the legs, causing difficulty walking or climbing stairs
• Muscle atrophy: In chronic cases, visible wasting of muscles in the hands, arms, or shoulders may occur

The weakness typically corresponds to the nerve root or spinal cord level that’s being compressed. For instance, C6 nerve root compression often causes weakness in the biceps and wrist extensors, while C7 involvement affects the triceps. When the spinal cord itself is compressed (a condition called cervical myelopathy), weakness may affect both arms and legs, along with coordination problems. This is a serious complication that requires prompt medical attention to prevent permanent neurological damage.

7. Balance and Coordination Problems

In more advanced cases of cervical spondylosis, particularly when the spinal cord becomes compressed (cervical myelopathy), patients may develop difficulties with balance, coordination, and walking. These symptoms indicate that the condition is affecting the central nervous system and requires immediate medical evaluation.

Balance and coordination issues may present as:

• Gait disturbances: Walking becomes unsteady or requires more concentration; some describe feeling like they’re walking on uneven surfaces
• Loss of fine motor control: Difficulty with tasks requiring precise hand movements, such as buttoning shirts, writing, or handling small objects
• Clumsiness: Increased tendency to drop objects or bump into things
• Heavy or stiff legs: A sensation that the legs feel heavy, stiff, or difficult to control when walking

These symptoms develop when the spinal cord is compressed within the spinal canal, interfering with the transmission of signals between the brain and the body. The spinal cord carries both sensory information from the body to the brain and motor commands from the brain to the muscles. When compressed, both pathways can be disrupted, leading to sensory abnormalities and motor dysfunction. Patients may also experience bowel or bladder problems in severe cases, though this is relatively rare. If you experience balance problems or coordination difficulties along with neck pain, it’s essential to seek medical evaluation promptly, as these symptoms may indicate cervical myelopathy requiring intervention.

Main Causes of Cervical Spondylosis

Understanding the causes of cervical spondylosis can help you better grasp why this condition develops and who may be at higher risk. While aging is the primary cause, several factors contribute to the development and progression of this degenerative condition.

Age-Related Degeneration: The most significant cause of cervical spondylosis is the natural aging process. As we age, the intervertebral discs in the neck lose water content and become less flexible, reducing their ability to cushion the vertebrae. This process typically begins around age 40 and progresses over time. The discs may also develop cracks or tears, further compromising their structural integrity.

Bone Spurs: As the discs degenerate and the space between vertebrae narrows, the body responds by producing extra bone in an attempt to strengthen the spine. These bony growths, called bone spurs or osteophytes, can encroach on the space available for nerve roots and the spinal cord, leading to compression and symptoms.

Herniated Discs: The outer layer of spinal discs can crack with age, allowing the inner gel-like material to protrude or herniate. This herniated material can press against nearby nerves or the spinal cord, causing pain and neurological symptoms.

Ligament Stiffness: The ligaments that connect the spinal bones to each other can become stiff and less flexible over time, reducing neck mobility and contributing to pain and stiffness.

Risk Factors: Several factors can increase your likelihood of developing symptomatic cervical spondylosis:

• Occupation: Jobs that involve repetitive neck movements, prolonged awkward neck positions, or heavy lifting may accelerate degenerative changes
• Previous neck injury: Past trauma to the neck, such as whiplash from a car accident, may increase the risk of early degeneration
• Genetics: Family history plays a role, as some people are genetically predisposed to more rapid spinal degeneration
• Smoking: Tobacco use has been linked to increased disc degeneration and neck pain
• Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of regular physical activity may contribute to poor neck muscle strength and flexibility

Prevention Strategies

While you cannot completely prevent the age-related changes that lead to cervical spondylosis, you can take steps to maintain neck health and potentially slow the progression of degenerative changes. Implementing these prevention strategies may also help reduce your risk of developing symptoms.

Maintain Good Posture: Proper posture is crucial for neck health, especially in our modern world where many people spend hours looking at screens. Keep your head aligned over your spine rather than jutting forward. When using computers or mobile devices, position screens at eye level to avoid prolonged downward neck bending. Take frequent breaks to stretch and change positions.

Exercise Regularly: Engage in regular physical activity that promotes neck strength and flexibility. Low-impact aerobic exercises like walking, swimming, and cycling improve overall fitness and circulation to spinal structures. Specific neck strengthening and stretching exercises can maintain range of motion and support the cervical spine, but these should be learned from a qualified healthcare professional.

Optimize Your Sleeping Position: Use a pillow that keeps your neck in a neutral position while sleeping. Side sleepers should use a pillow that fills the gap between the shoulder and head, while back sleepers need a thinner pillow. Avoid sleeping on your stomach, as this position forces your neck to rotate for extended periods.

Practice Ergonomics: Set up your workstation to support good posture. Your computer monitor should be at eye level, your chair should support the natural curve of your spine, and your feet should rest flat on the floor. Adjust your car’s headrest to the middle of your head to prevent whiplash injuries.

Stay Hydrated: Adequate hydration helps maintain the water content in intervertebral discs, which is essential for their cushioning function. Aim to drink sufficient water throughout the day.

Avoid Smoking: If you smoke, quitting can benefit your spinal health. Smoking accelerates disc degeneration and reduces blood flow to spinal structures, impairing their ability to maintain and repair themselves.

Manage Your Weight: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces stress on the cervical spine and all weight-bearing joints in the body. Excess weight can contribute to postural problems that strain the neck.

Limit Heavy Lifting: When you must lift heavy objects, use proper technique by bending at the knees rather than the waist, and avoid twisting your neck or spine during the lift. Better yet, ask for help with heavy items or use mechanical aids when available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cervical spondylosis a serious condition?

Cervical spondylosis is a common age-related condition that is not serious for most people. Many individuals have cervical spondylosis visible on X-rays but experience no symptoms. However, when symptoms occur, they can range from mild to severe. In rare cases where the spinal cord becomes compressed (cervical myelopathy), it can be serious and requires prompt medical attention to prevent permanent nerve damage.

Can cervical spondylosis be cured?

Cervical spondylosis cannot be completely cured as it involves age-related degenerative changes to the spine. However, symptoms can usually be effectively managed with conservative approaches including physical therapy, exercise, posture correction, and lifestyle modifications. Most people can control their symptoms and maintain good quality of life without surgical intervention.

What is the difference between cervical spondylosis and cervical spondylitis?

Cervical spondylosis is a degenerative condition caused by age-related wear and tear of the cervical spine. Cervical spondylitis, on the other hand, refers to inflammation of the spinal joints, which may be caused by infection, autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis. While both can cause neck pain, they have different underlying causes and may require different management approaches.

At what age does cervical spondylosis typically begin?

Degenerative changes in the cervical spine typically begin around age 40, though some people may develop changes earlier. By age 60, more than 85% of people show evidence of cervical spondylosis on imaging studies. However, having these changes doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll experience symptoms, as many people remain asymptomatic throughout their lives.

Can cervical spondylosis cause dizziness?

Yes, cervical spondylosis can sometimes cause dizziness, though this is less common than neck pain and stiffness. The dizziness may result from several mechanisms, including disrupted blood flow to the brain due to compression of blood vessels, nerve irritation, or altered sensory input from the neck joints affecting balance. If you experience significant or persistent dizziness along with neck symptoms, consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation.

When should I see a doctor for cervical spondylosis symptoms?

You should seek medical attention if you experience sudden onset of severe neck pain, progressive weakness in arms or legs, loss of bladder or bowel control, or difficulty with balance and coordination. Also consult a healthcare provider if your neck pain is accompanied by fever, unexplained weight loss, or if over-the-counter measures don’t provide relief after several weeks. Early evaluation can help prevent complications and ensure appropriate management.

Can stress make cervical spondylosis symptoms worse?

Yes, stress can exacerbate cervical spondylosis symptoms. Psychological stress often leads to muscle tension, particularly in the neck and shoulder region, which can worsen pain and stiffness. Stress may also lower pain tolerance and increase perception of discomfort. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and other stress-reduction strategies may help improve symptom control.

Is exercise safe if I have cervical spondylosis?

Exercise is generally safe and beneficial for most people with cervical spondylosis. Regular physical activity can help maintain neck flexibility, strengthen supporting muscles, and reduce pain. However, certain high-impact activities or exercises that involve extreme neck movements should be avoided. It’s advisable to consult with a healthcare provider or physical therapist who can recommend appropriate exercises tailored to your specific condition and symptoms.

References:

• Mayo Clinic – Cervical Spondylosis
• Johns Hopkins Medicine – Cervical Spondylosis
• American Association of Neurological Surgeons – Cervical Spine
• NHS – Cervical Spondylosis
• Spine-health – Cervical Spondylosis