What triggers cervical spondylosis?

Cervical spondylosis happens over time. Triggers or risk factors include:

 Being 60 or older.
 Smoking.
 Doing work that requires you to spend hours every day looking up or down.
 Straining your neck to lift heavy objects.
 Having a family history of cervical spondylosis.
 Having a history of neck injury.

What are the complications of this condition?

Cervical spondylosis increases your risk of developing:

 Cervical myelopathy: This is when something compresses (squeezes) the

spinal cord in your neck.
 Cervical radiculopathy : This is a pinched nerve in your neck.

Can cervical spondylosis affect my brain?

No, it can’t. Cervical spondylosis just affects the disks in your spine, which can make
your neck hurt or feel stiff.

Diagnosis and Tests

How is cervical spondylosis diagnosed?

A healthcare provider will do a physical examination, including looking for bumps or

knots in your neck. They may check your:

 Neck flexibility.
 Muscle strength and reflexes in your hands, arms or legs.
 Reflexes.
 Gait (how you walk).

What tests help diagnose cervical spondylosis?

Your provider may do the following tests to get detailed images or pictures of your
spine and check on your skeletal muscles and nerves. Tests may include:

 X-ray.
 Computed tomography (CT) scan.
 Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.
 Myelogram.
 Electromyography (EMG).
 Nerve conduction study.
Management and Treatment
What is the best treatment for cervical spondylosis?

The best treatment is one that helps ease your symptoms. In general, healthcare
providers start cervical spondylosis treatment with noninvasive, conservative
treatments. For example, they may recommend:

 Physical therapy.
 Over-the-counter pain relievers.
 Placing ice or applying heat to your neck for 15 minutes several times during
the day.
 Soft collar or brace.