Cervical spondylosis

Cervical spondylosis is the medical term for age-related changes in the neck. You may also hear it called neck osteoarthritis. As we get older, it's normal to have some of these changes in our necks, and often they cause no symptoms at all.

On MRI scans and X-rays, most people with cervical spondylosis have no neck pain. In some people, though, it can cause neck pain and stiffness.

See a doctor urgently if you have a new problem, or a clear worsening of an existing one, with any of these symptoms:

• changes in how your bladder or bowel works, such as urgency, going more often, difficulty passing urine, leaking or incontinence
• changes in feeling around the bottom or genitals, or sexual problems, for example a recent inability to reach orgasm or get an erection
• poorer balance or difficulty walking
• pain, weakness, heaviness or changing sensation in the arms or legs
• clumsy hands, for example dropping things, or struggling with handwriting, buttons or zips
• neck pain together with a severe headache

If your doctor's chamber is closed, call a doctor or the 16263 health line.

• and you also feel generally unwell
• that starts when you are ill with other problems like rheumatoid arthritis or cancer

Symptoms of cervical spondylosis can change from day to day. They can include:

• neck pain
• neck stiffness
• muscle tightness or spasms
• clicking and grinding (this is quite common and can sound alarming, but it's not usually serious)
• headaches which usually start at the back of the head
• pain, pins and needles or numbness in your arm (this can be caused by nerve irritation in your neck)

A doctor diagnoses cervical spondylosis after an assessment. They'll ask you some questions and then examine you, which may include checking your range of movement and strength.

You may need a further examination to rule out other possible health conditions.

X-rays and MRIs are usually not needed to diagnose cervical spondylosis. A lot of people over 40 will have signs of it on their scans but won't have any symptoms. For most people, these investigations are unnecessary, because they will not change your treatment options.

If you've been told you have cervical spondylosis, that doesn't necessarily mean your neck pain will never go away. There's a lot you can do to help your symptoms.

Gentle exercises can help keep your neck moving with cervical spondylosis. They increase the blood flow to the tissues, and that helps with healing.

The exercises may feel uncomfortable when you start, but they are safe to do. They'll become much easier as you get your movement back. It's known that being afraid of moving can make your pain worse, so any movement can be helpful.

Pain medicine can help you move more comfortably, and that in turn helps you manage your cervical spondylosis symptoms.

More about taking painkillers

Using heat or ice on your neck can help reduce symptoms of cervical spondylosis. Put a barrier, like a towel, between the pack and your skin so you don't get burned. Never place heat or ice directly on your skin. Leave a few hours between treatments.

How to avoid hot water bottle burns and scalds, and care of burns

Stop treating the area with heat or ice if you notice more redness, discolouration or blistering of the skin.

Read more about burns and scalds

If you have any issues with circulation or sensation, you shouldn't use heat or ice as a treatment for neck pain.

What you do day to day can affect how much pain you have with cervical spondylosis. Lifestyle advice includes:

• staying active
• changing how you do activities, and pacing yourself
• keeping to a healthy weight
• stopping smoking
• managing stress and looking after your emotional wellbeing

Cervical spondylosis can sometimes mean you need to take some time off work. How long you're off will depend on the nature of your condition and the kind of work you do.

You don't have to be free of symptoms before you think about going back. Staying at work, or returning as soon as you're able, will help your recovery. Getting back to your normal daily activities bit by bit can help build up your strength and stamina.

If you follow this advice, you should see your symptoms get better gradually over time. The biggest change usually comes within the first couple of weeks. Most flare-ups should have improved within 8 weeks.

If your neck pain hasn't improved within 8 weeks of following this advice, or if your symptoms get worse at any time, it's a good idea to talk to a doctor about them.

Read about how to access MSK services.