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Cervical Spondylosis

Topic Overview

What is spondylosis?

Spondylosis is age-related change of the bones (vertebrae) and discsof the spine. These changes are often called degenerative disc diseaseand osteoarthritis.


What causes cervical spondylosis?


When this condition is in the neck, it's called cervical spondylosis.

What are the symptoms?

There are often no symptoms. When there are symptoms, neck pain and stiffness are the main ones. They are usually worse in the morning and get better throughout the day. You may also have a headache.

If bony growths are pushing against a nerve rootor the spinal cord, you may have numbness, tingling, weakness, or an aching, shooting pain in your arm or leg.

How is cervical spondylosis diagnosed?



How is it treated?


If these treatments aren't helping you enough, you may need other treatments. This might be more likely to happen if you have spine problems such as a herniated discor spinal stenosis. In some cases, a shot of medicine in the joint area may offer short-term relief. For a severe problem, surgery may be an option.

Related Information


Other Works Consulted



ByHealthwise Staff
E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine

Current as ofNovember 29, 2017



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